A 655-STRONG delegation of athletes and coaches from Davao City, known as the Davao City Durians, received a morale boost as they prepared to defend their title in the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet 2025. The Department of Education (DepEd) Davao City Division gave them a warm send-off with a celebratory Mass and heartfelt program on Thursday, March 6, at the Mintal Elementary School (MES) Gym.
On Friday, March 7, the delegation, traveling in commissioned passenger buses, arrived at their billeting quarters at Tagum National Trade School, the same venue that housed them during Davraa Meet 2023.
The Davraa Meet 2025 will be held on March 9 to 15 in Davao del Norte.
Aiming for 180 golds
DepEd Davao City Superintendent Reynante A. Solitario led the send-off, congratulating the athletes on their journey.
"I'm so excited to send you off. You've trained in different places, each with unique preparation styles. This time, let me change the tone of our message—give it your all until the very last effort and bring home the gold," Solitario told the delegates.
In 2024, the Durians secured 168 gold medals, slightly fewer than the 174 golds they won in 2023. But this year, Solitario is aiming higher.
"Ngayon, gusto ko 180 golds kasi kaya natin. Tayo ang kinatatakutan ng lahat ng mga teams sa Davraa (This time, I want 180 golds because we can do it. We are the team that everyone fears in Davraa). We will fight until the end," he said.
He emphasized that consistent, disciplined efforts would determine their success and mastery of their respective sports.
Beyond Davraa
Solitario praised the athletes for their perseverance through various qualifying stages, from school intramurals to the cluster, unit, and Davao City Athletic Association (Dcaa) Meet 2025.
He added, "Andami na nating pinagdaanan. Ngayon dito na tayo sa Davraa. Ang mindset natin is Palarong Pambansa. It's no longer Davraa because we have always been the champions for several years. Kaya sabi ko this year, titingnan natin ang kapasidad ng bawat isa if handa na ba sa Palarong Pambansa (We've been through so much, and now we've made it to Davraa. But our mindset is set on the Palarong Pambansa. It's no longer just about Davraa because we've been champions for several years. This year, we're evaluating each athlete’s capability to see if they’re ready for the Palarong Pambansa)."
He also highlighted the challenges every athlete faces, including injuries and setbacks, which he believes are crucial in shaping them into future champions.
Focus on medal-rich sports
An exclusive interview with SunStar Solitario revealed that Dcaa Meet 2025 tournament managers closely monitored the in-house training of Davraa-bound athletes from day one to day 20. He expressed confidence that the Durians will surpass last year’s gold tally.
"Sa report ng tournament managers, doon kami humuhugot ng kanilang commitment to deliver the golds. Ginagawa natin yan every year, pledge of the number of golds from each team. Based on our computation, umabot ng 180 golds ang projection natin kasi kasama na ang dancesports at pencak silat (We rely on the tournament managers' reports to gauge their commitment to delivering gold medals. Each team pledges a target number of golds every year. Based on our calculations, our projection has reached 180 gold medals, including dancesports and pencak silat)," he shared.
Cash incentives
As in previous years, Davao City medalists will receive cash incentives for their victories: gold medal -10,000, silver- P8,000, and bronze -5,000.
At least ₱4 million from the special education fund (SEF) of the Local School Board, chaired by the city mayor, has been allocated for the cash bonuses of Davraa medalists.
"The mayor is very supportive," Solitario said, adding that the city has also provided training and parade uniforms, meals, and additional incentives for the delegation.
In good health
Solitario assured that all city athletes are in good health, although a few sustained minor bruises or experienced fever during training.
"So far, so good. There were no incidents. May mga medical officers and nurses tayong tumitingin sa kanila. All is well (So far, so good. There were no incidents. We have medical officers and nurses monitoring them. All is well)," he said.
With unwavering support from DepEd Davao City, local officials, and the city government, the Davao City Durians are set to bring their best performance to Davraa Meet 2025, with their eyes already on the bigger stage—the Palarong Pambansa. MLSA