First time for Apayao’s turn to host Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet was in 2013. It was then when Apayao, so young at 18 after its separation from Kalinga, was utmost challenged.
During that Clash, Baguio City launched 610 athletes, Benguet with 611, Kalinga has 529, Mt. Province with 546, Abra with 553, Ifugao with 666, and Apayao with 613. More or less 5,000 visitors engulfed the land. Said Regional Meet was first-ever in Apayao and huge event such as this inspired the determined father and then Cong. Elias K. Bulut, to make way for a multi-million sports complex which could accommodate more than 4,000 athletes and coaches from all over the region. That weeklong largest gathering of athletes in the region happened on February 27 to March 3. There were 17 sports disciplines with the gold medalists assuring a spot for the region’s possibility of joining in the Palarong Pambansa.
Geared with persistence and commitment, the provincial government constructed road networks, widened and concreted major roads, and the constructed the Apayao Ecotourism and Sports Complex (AETSC) where the grand event was held.
Apayao Gov. Elias C. Bulut, Jr. ensured security of athletes, coaches, chaperons, and guests during the Meet. Different billeting schools with their host municipalities accorded welcome parties and made sure all the delegates were warmly welcomed.
Cong. Eleanor C. Bulut Begtang of the province of Apayao expounded in her message the essence of the event on sustaining partnership towards progress and development. To her, the theme,” Sustaining Partnership towards progress & Deve.opment” was about upholding sense of purpose and unity forged by and among Cordillerans who have withstood many tough but fruitful years as a people and as a region. She likewise appealed to parents, teachers, trainers and coaches to instill among the youth the time-tested values of self-discipline, determination, confidence, and commitment to team work.
The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) took the lead in hosting accommodation of delegations participated in the Regional Meet. The former LMP President and Mayor of Calanasan, and former House Representative and Governor Elias K. Bulut asked his colleagues to extend Apayao hospitality to every delegation ensuring each delegate to feel at home. Bulut had always been a father for every Iyapayao, and so he made sure that all the delegation experienced much of the kindness and pride of Apayao.
Sen. Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero III graced the opening of the Meet, he was the Keynote Speaker and with him was Grace Poe (now a Senator). In his speech after being introduced by Gov. Bulut, Jr, he emphasized the need to display innate skills, talents and sportsmanship.
On DepEd’s side, Apayao OIC, Schools Division Superintendent Ronald B. Castillo stressed the need to be facilitative, inspiring, motivating. Castillo wanted the Apayao athletes to fight with all their might. Inspired and motivated by the effort and support given to them.
Lines from “Echoes…” (CARAA Update 2013 issue #4, p.3) evidently showed that efforts during those days were not wasted. Visitors commended Apayao’s food, drinks, water supply, accommodation, discipline, hospitality, safety, and honesty. “May Disiplina ang mga taga Apayao, napaka-peaceful pa ng lugar” (People of Apayao are disciplined, and the place is indeed peaceful). Salute to everyone who exerted their best to fashion a good image for the province.
The result astounded many, especially to those provinces that had significant changes – Baguio ranked 1st, followed by Benguet, and Apayao got the 3rd place (Apayao was in 6th rank in CARAA 2012). Effort of Hosting paved off. The feeling was awesome!
Whatever we hold in our hearts for CARAA 2013, we look forward to a more gratifying and inspiring upshot this CARAA 2019 – for the 2nd time in APAYAO. # (MA. TERESA M. BERMUDEZ)