Naga now ready for CVRAA kick-off

CEBU, Philippines - The local government of the City of Naga shelled out P8.3 million of its Special Education Fund to finance the hosting of this year’s Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVRAA) meet, a first for the city.

Mayor Valdemar Chiong said a big chunk of the allocated amount was used to purchase sports equipment.

He said they are now a hundred percent ready for the kick-off program on Sunday at the Naga Central School.

The biggest annual sports conclave in the region, which will run for a week, is expected to gather at least 6,000 student-athletes, coaches and guests in the southern city.

But not all events will be held there.

Chiong said they were not able to finish construction of their Olympic-size swimming pool in time for the hosting. As such, all swimming events will be held at the Cebu City Sports Center while baseball and gymnastics will be held in the neighboring town of Minglanilla.

As of yesterday, the delegates from Bohol Province, Mandaue City and Cebu Province already arrived in their respective assigned schools and billeting quarters. Classes in these schools will be suspended for a week.

Other delegates will be also housed in some schools in Minglanilla and San Fernando.

City Schools Division Superintendent Senen Paulin said they chose those schools which are most accessible to the main road to prevent delays.

This early, Paulin expressed gratitude to all stakeholders responsible in ensuring a smooth flow of preparations.

“(We thank) not just the Department of Education (which) perseveres to make the event successful but also the local police, barangay tanods, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management office and others. We want this event to be remembered by the delegates," he said. (FREEMAN)