AFTER missing the top three since 2013, Apayao province is hoping to improve its over-all medal standing when the 2019 edition of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (Caraa) kicks off February 27.
Governor Elias Bulut Jr., in a recent media forum, said the province is gearing for an improved finish this year as it hosts the largest regional sports meet next month after finishing fifth last year, falling off one gold medal short from 2018 host Abra for the fourth place finish.
“Hopefully we can improve our standing and land maybe third or fourth,” said the governor.
Apayao placed third in 2013, its highest in years when it first hosted the event then landed fourth in 2014 with 12 golds, 26 silver and 50 bronze medals and maintained its standing in 2015 with an improved 21 golds, 35 silvers and 52 bronze medal haul.
In 2016, the province slid to seventh with an 8-22-40 medal haul then went up to fifth place with its 16 golds, 33 silvers and 61 bronze medals.
Bulut added to inspire the athletes this coming Caraa, the province has increased its cash incentives.
Individual gold medal winners will be entitled to P10,000 while the silver and bronze medalists receive P7,500 and P5,000 respectively.
The governor added incentives for team competitions, coaches and trainers are still being determined.
“There’s no pressure for athletes. We just want them to focus on their games and I think it’s different when you’re in front of your province mate who will be cheering for you,” added Bulut.
For the past 10 years, Baguio City and Benguet has locked in the first and second over-all title in the annual sports event while the third place has become a toss – up between other provinces competing in the weeklong tournament.
This year, Tabuk City separated from its mother province Kalinga for the regional sports meet.
Georaloy Palao-ay, Department of Education's information officer and deputy regional sports coordinator, said Kalinga Governor Jocel Baac has informed the agency that Tabuk finally bade goodbye to be part of the province in the annual meet which gathers more than 5,000 athletes and coaches from all over the region.
“This is a welcome development for us. We expect both local government units to compete in the highest level now that they are competing against each other,” adds Palao-ay.
Kalinga, together with Tabuk City, placed 6th last year after bagging 16 golds, 22 silvers and 49 bronze medals with perennial champion Baguio running away with 222-102-61 medal haul.