THE much-anticipated Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet 2025 officially kicks off at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City.
Host Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib expressed his pride in welcoming delegates, officials, visitors, and spectators to the weeklong regional meet. In a message furnished to SunStar Davao, he emphasized the event’s role in fostering discipline, camaraderie, and excellence among young athletes.
With the theme “Compete, Excel, Inspire: Davao Region's Rise to Greatness,” this year’s Davraa Meet will gather the region’s top student-athletes in a spirited display of talent and sportsmanship.
Jubahib said that the competition serves as a platform not just for athletic achievement but also for building friendships and mutual respect among competitors.
“While they try to outdo and beat each other, they regard each other not as ‘enemies’ but merely ‘friendly rivals,’” he said, underscoring the essence of sportsmanship.
Beyond the pursuit of medals, Jubahib highlighted the role of sports in promoting peace, unity, and understanding across the Davao Region. He noted that sports transcend differences in gender, ethnicity, religion, and ideology, fostering harmony amid the charged atmosphere of the upcoming elections.
"We are constantly reminded that our shared similarities and collective worth as one people outshine our differences," he added.
Jubahib also commended the dedication and hard work of the young athletes, recognizing their efforts in preparing for the competition. He said that through sports, they develop not only their skills but also virtues such as willpower, humility, and graciousness—qualities that define true champions.
Celebration of excellence
Meanwhile, Department of Education (DepEd) Davao regional director Allan Farnazo emphasized in a separate message the transformative power of sports in shaping individuals and communities.
Farnazo described the Davraa Meet as more than just an annual sporting event—it is a platform for discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership among young athletes and coaches. He highlighted how physical activity not only strengthens the body but also boosts mental resilience, reduces stress, and builds self-esteem.
“Being part of a team fosters friendships, unity, and respect among athletes from diverse backgrounds,” Farnazo said.
He underscored the Davao Region’s vision of becoming a competitive force on both national and global stages. Beyond the pursuit of medals, he said that excellence and continuous improvement are key to setting new benchmarks in sports and leadership.
With young athletes competing at their peak, Farnazo expressed confidence that their success will inspire future generations to pursue greatness. He envisions Davraa as a sporting competition and a celebration of determination, resilience, and ambition—values that will propel the Davao Region to greater heights.
Farnazo called on participants to compete with heart and make lasting memories as the region's best student-athletes take center stage.
"Let's make the 2025 Davraa Meet an unforgettable experience," he urged, rallying the entire community to support and celebrate this remarkable event.
Opening program
The Davraa Meet 2025 will open with a grand parade of 11 delegations and officials, followed by the entrance of colors, national anthem, ecumenical prayer, and AVPs of the Bagong Pilipinas and Davao Regional Hymns. The regional, provincial, and Tagum City banners will be raised, setting the stage for the games.
DepEd Davao assistant regional director Rebonfamil Baguio will welcome the 9,000 delegates before DepEd Davao regional director Allan Farnazo and Education Support Services Division Chief Warlito Hua hoist the Davraa banner. School division superintendents and local chief executives will follow, raising their respective athletic division banners.
Governor Edwin Jubahib will deliver the keynote speech, followed by a message from Education Secretary Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, to be read by DepEd Undersecretary Atty. Rowena Candice Ruiz. A Palarong Pambansa 2024 boxing gold medalist from Davao del Norte will lead the oath of sportsmanship, while DepEd Davao regional sports officer Alim Maguindanao will administer the oath of officiating officials.
Farnazo will officially declare the Davraa Meet 2025 open, leading to the symbolic torch lighting by Jubahib.
Palaro 2024 gold medalists Jefferson Amaya (boxing, Davao del Norte), Samantha Claire Jamotillo
(gymnastics, Tagum City), Eathan Razy Fujita (arnis, Davao City), Michael Josh Macalisang (arnis, Davao de Oro), Kent John Gabia (billiards, Davao del Sur), Presrioland Jay Ariate (taekwondo, Davao Occidental), Jessica Leah Losentes (athletics, Davao Oriental), Minerva Kate Uyan (taekwondo, Mati City), and Stephen Fuertes (tennis, Digos City), alongside James Aredidon (boxing, Island Garden City of Samal) and Joe Rayne Lelis (gymnastics, Panabo City).
The final honor of lighting the Davraa Meet cauldron will go to Chloeid Anthonie Larutin, a Batang Pinoy archery silver medalist from Davao del Norte.
A spectacular fireworks display will cap off the ceremony, marking the start of another exciting Davraa Meet.