IN TIME for the biggest sport event, delegates of the Cordillera begin their training for the Palarong Pambansa set on April 15-21.

Department of Education (DepEd) Cordillera information officer Georaloy Palaoay said they have given a directive from sports directors from the different divisions and cities to supervise training of athletes who are qualified to represent the region for this year’s Palarong Pambansa.

The annual multi-sport event involving student -- athletes from 17 regions will be held at Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

During the recent conduct of regional sports meet, Baguio was declared as the overall Caraa champion, followed by the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga and Mt. Province.

For this year’s Palaro, delegates from the region will be composed of 727 athletes, officials, technical working committees, chaperons and coaches.

"We would like to reach out to any group who would like to help our team in terms of the training of our athletes," Palaoay said.

During 2017 Palarong Pambansa ,the region bagged a total of 26 gold medals, 21 silver and 21 bronze medals which garnered an improved sixth place.

DepEd Regional Sports Coordinator Agustin Gumuwang said all divisions will continue their trainings in their own schools. Athletes and coaches will directly converge in Vigan set April 7.

"We are aiming, at least, rank fifth. Athletes should continue training with their coaches and uphold discipline and honesty during the competition," Gumuwang said.

The region is also proposing a much higher incentive for this year’s gold, silver, and bronze medalists. Last year, Gumuwang said DepEd provided P1,000 to P3,000 as cash incentive to the athletes and are now eyeing P2,000 to P5,000 this year.