Itogon proudly hosts Baguio City’s Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) 2025 welcome program, welcoming over 815 delegates on February 22, 2025, at Lucban Integrated School.
With the theme “Fostering a United and Healthier Cordillera through Sports,” Itogon welcomed 583 athletes, including 138 coaches, 79 members of the technical working group, and 14 city officials.
Hon. Bernard S. Waclin expressed his support for the event, highlighting the importance of sports development. “We participate because kayat tayo met nga maimprove ‘ti sports iti probinsya tayo… Agay-ayam tao nga adda ‘ti ragsak ken ayat.” (We participate because we want to improve sports in our community. Let us play with joy and love.)
The crowd roared with excitement during the welcome program, led by Dr. Soraya T. Faculo, PhD, CESO VI, Schools Division Superintendent and delegation head, alongside honorary guests Hon. Benjamin B. Magalong, Mayor of Baguio City, and Hon. Mark Go, Congressman of Baguio City.
According to Dr. Faculo, the largest delegation hails from Baguio City, known as the “E-Lions,” boosted by their unifying cheer, “One team, one roar, one victory!”
The event was also attended by Itogon Vice Mayor Dante Alain Xavier Godio, Baguio City Councilor Vladimir Cayabas, and Itogon Councilors Norberto Pacio, Clint Galutan, Alejandro Palangdan, Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Ernani Pis-oy, and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) President Judbert Alicnas.
Although the welcome program was held at Lucban Integrated School in Baguio City, Itogon proudly embraced its role as the host municipality.
To conclude the event, tokens of appreciation were awarded to recognize the invaluable contributions of the athletes, coaches, parents, and esteemed guests.
The parade and opening program will be on February 23, 2025 and run until February 28, 2025 drawing athletes and sports enthusiasts from across the region.
Let the games begin!
PHOTOS, WORDS | Jay Ralph Galunza, Jelly Rose Navaja, Shayne Ashley Sudiacal; BSU Interns
