LAPU-LAPU City has improved its performance at the recently-concluded 2025 Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (Cviraa) Meet in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.
Department of Education Schools Division Office (DepEd SDO) Lapu-Lapu City Superintendent Marilyn Andales told reporters on Thursday, March 20, 2025, that this year the city’s athletes brought home a total of 29 gold medals, a substantial increase from the 20 gilts won in 2024.
Although its silver medal count has decreased from 24 to 15, Lapu-Lapu City captured 28 bronze medals, six more than its 22 bronze haul last year.
Cash incentives
However, the real news of the day was Andales’ announcement about the exciting increase in cash incentives for medalists.
The reward for gold medalists will rise from P5,000 to P7,000, while silver medalists will now receive P5,000 -- much larger than previous P3,000, and bronze medalists will be given P3,000, up from P2,000.
Andales said athletes who won two or more medals will be awarded corresponding cash incentives, regardless of whether they are gold, silver, or bronze.
The budget was allocated from the Special Education Funds. The distribution of the cash prizes will be on Thursday, March 27, at the DepEd SDO.
Arnis, dancesport rule
In a separate interview, DepEd SDO Lapu-Lapu City Chief Education Supervisor Reynold Velos said most of the city’s gold medals came from arnis and dancesport, with indoor sports like chess and billiards also contributing to the victory.
Velos said Lapu-Lapu City ranked seventh overall at the CVIRAA Meet 2025, with the elementary athletes placing third and the secondary bets finishing ninth.
He also emphasized the importance of inclusivity, highlighting that some students participated in the Paralympics, particularly in bocce and athletics -- activities that help develop the skills and social abilities of these learners.
“This year, we brought it back to help develop their skills, especially their social skills. It’s not just about being in the classroom but showing that they can thrive outside of it too,” said Velos in Cebuano.
Velos revealed that the city’s para-athletics collected one silver and four bronze medals, contributing to Lapu-Lapu’s overall success.
He further mentioned that with students excelling in the sports event, DepEd plans to strengthen existing grassroots programs such as the “School Sports Program” by initiating training for teachers, coaches, and officials.
He added that the goal is to encourage bigger schools to identify aspiring athletes in smaller neighboring institutions, and offer support for sponsorships or expenses through the Parent-Teacher Associations or stakeholders to help further develop their sports skills.
Lapu-Lapu City sent a delegation of 751 members, including student athletes, coaches, trainers, and chaperones, to the CVIRAA Meet 2025.