JUST before the official closing of the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) meet 2019, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio reminded the delegation that health is more important than any championship.
"To the athletes, kabalo ko na gusto ninyo mudula (I know that you wanted to play) but always remember that your health is the most important," Duterte-Carpio said.
"Unsaon man nato na ang medalya kung atong lawas, lain na og kondisyon? (What for is the medal if our health is already not in the condition?) We must put our health always first. Kung lain inyong lawas, ayaw ninyo pugsa og ingna ninyo inyong mga ginikanan (If you do not feel well, do not force yourself and tell your parents)," she added.
Duterte-Carpio added that coaches and their school should concern themselves with the health status of their student-athletes to avoid the worst case scenario.
Following the death of Hadia Eronico, a 12-year-old athlete from Davao Oriental while participating in the event, the Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao spokesperson Jenielito Attilo said that an investigation is being made and a proper action would be made once it is done.
Duterte-Carpio, during the event, requested the audience to have a moment of silence for Eronico and said it will be the last student-athlete that would die participating in a Davraa meet or any sports events.
"Before I begin, I would like to ask a moment of silence for Hadia who came to Davraa determined to help the team but whom we sadly lost last Wednesday night," she said.
Meanwhile, Compostela Valley Province Governor Tyrone Uy received the flag of Davraa as a symbol of accepting the role as host of the event next year.
"Today we close Davraa 2019 but I hope that when you return to your respective localities, you will always carry with you the lessons, the friendships and the memories you made in the event. See you next year in Davraa 2020 in Compostela Valley Province," she said.
The exact location, however, was not yet disclosed.