Athletic delegations from across Western Visayas, including Negros Occidental, have arrived in San Jose de Buenavista in Antique, and are gearing up for a tough but fair competition at the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet 2025.
The playing venues are nearly ready, with athletes already conducting tune-up games, Antique Provincial Engineer Inocencio Dajao Jr., who is overseeing the preparations for the event, said on Thursday, Feb. 27.
“We have completed preparations for most playing venues, except for the rubber overlay of the oval track at the Binirayan Sports Complex in San Jose de Buenavista,” Dajao said. He added that the overlay is being rushed for completion by Friday, February 28, to allow athletes to familiarize themselves with the track.
Claire J. Tumbagahan, coach of the Regional Science High School athletes representing Aklan Province, said her team underwent rigorous training ahead of the competition.
“We expect a tough but fair competition from our opponents during the WVRAA Meet,” Tumbagahan said. Her team arrived in Antique on Monday (February 25), and is billeted at Sibalom National High School and Sibalom Central School.
PJ Gandecila, an athlete from Guimaras Province, said that his team has been preparing for two months to improve on last year’s bronze medal finish.
“We are working hard to win gold this year after placing sixth overall in 2024,” Gandecila said.
Meanwhile, the University of Antique (UA) Red Ants organized tune-up games with high school teams across Region 6 to help condition athletes. The games, held from February 25 to 28 at the university’s Traditional Knowledge Center in Sibalom, aim to ensure athletes are ready for the competition scheduled from March 1 to 8.
Carlo Tropa, Aklan Delegation Accommodations Chairperson, expressed satisfaction with the billeting arrangements provided by local schools.
“They have met all our requested necessities,” Tropa said.*PNA with reports from Rosa Mae Blanco