Iloilo was the overall champion at the 2024 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet that ended at the Paglaum Park and Stadium in Bacolod City on Tuesday, May 7.
The Department of Education’s final and official tally showed Iloilo was the champion in the elementary and secondary levels, as well as in the paragames and demo sports.
Negros Occidental was first runner up in the elementary and secondary levels, and in the paragames.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, in his speech at the closing rites, congratulated all those who participated in the WVRAA meet.
“To our athletes, you have showcased outstanding sportsmanship, dedication, and skill throughout this regional meet. Your performances and the passion you have displayed for your respective sports have been inspiring. Whether you are with medals or not, you have all made us proud,” he said.
He urged those who are advancing to the Palarong Pambansa to make the most of the two months of training before the national games.
“Believe in yourselves, stay focused, and compete with passion, for you carry the hopes of your supporters back home. Trust in your abilities, support one another, and let the pride of Western Visayas shine through in all your sporting events,” he said.
Lacson, in an interview, said he is hoping the athletes from Negros Occidental who will be part of the WV contingent to the national games will be able to win golds for the region.
After the competition these past five days we are now one team representing Region 6 in the national Palaro, he said.
Iloilo held their provincial meet in February so they had the whole 45 days to train, he said.
In Negros Occidental the gap between the provincial and regional meet was two weeks, he said.
“So we were not as ready as Iloilo was, so that’s a lesson learned that we should finish our provincial meet early,” Lacson said.
“We need time to prepare,” he said.
Lacson said incentives for the winning Negros Occidental athletes has not been discussed yet.
In general Negros Occidental successfully hosted WVRAA 2024, Lacson said.
The following is the DepEd’s final and official 2024 WVRAA medal tally:
Elementary Level
Champion – Iloilo
1st Runner-up – Negros Occidental
2nd Runner-up – Aklan
Secondary Level
Champion – Iloilo
1st Runner-up – Negros Occidental
2nd Runner-up – Aklan
Paragames
Champion – Iloilo
1st Runner-up – Negros Occidental
2nd Runner-up – Aklan
Demo Sport
Champion – Iloilo
1st Runner-up – Capiz
2nd Runner-up – Aklan*