Cordi unity stressed as Caraa opens

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The need to be one was underscored by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jessie Robredo and Kalinga Representative Manuel Agyao during the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (Caraa).

Robredo was the keynote speaker of the annual sporting event even as Agyao opened the colorful ceremony featuring the richness of the Kalinga culture.

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“Ang pagkakataong ito ay panahon upang maipakita ng mga bata kanilang angking galing sa iba’t-bang larangan ng laro,” said Robredo.

“Ang paligsahang ito ay paraan para mapili an gang pinak magaling para pag dating ng Palarong Pambansa ay itinidig ang bandera ng Cordillera, hindi Benguet, hindi Kalinga, kundi isang Cordillera,” added Robredo.

Close to 4,500 athletes from all over the region formally started their bid in the region’s largest sports gathering of high school and elementary students at the Kalinga Sports Complex.

Robredo said the need to be one will be helpful in the aim of the region in attaining the much long desired autonomy in the region.

Robredo added the unity in sport would help the region in becoming as one in pushing for autonomy which was already filed in Congress.

Agyao, for his part, said House Bill 5595 was filed by Cordillera lawmakers to enact an Organic Act for the Creation of the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera last December 6, 2011.

The bill, initially signed by Representatives Bernardo Vergara, Manuel Agyao and Eleanor Begtang of Baguio City, Kalinga and Apayao, respectively, was signed the next day by Representatives Maximo Dalog of Mountain Province and Teddy Baguilat Jr. of Ifugao.

The weeklong athletic meet is being participated by athletes coming from Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Ifugao, host province Kalinga, and Mountain Province.

The athletes will be competing in 18 major events to include athletics, swimming, lawn tennis, football, basketball, baseball, softball, badminton, table tennis, chess, sipa, sepak takraw, archery, boxing, arnis, and gymnastics.