By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo Provincial Government has provided financial and health support to its delegation participating in the 2025 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet in Antique.
On February 28, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, along with the Provincial School Board, handed over a check worth PHP 11.4 million to the Department of Education (DepEd) Iloilo Schools Division. The funds aim to support the needs of the Iloilo delegation, which includes over 800 athletes, coaches, and staff.
Amid the rise in dengue cases, the provincial government, through the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO) and in coordination with the Health and Nutrition Cluster of DepEd Iloilo, distributed mosquito nets to the delegates. This initiative is part of efforts to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. stressed the importance of prioritizing both health and performance, urging local government units (LGUs) to provide medical support to their athletes.
Delegates have also been advised to take additional precautions, including using mosquito repellents, wearing light-colored long-sleeved clothing, and avoiding mosquito-prone areas during peak hours.
The 2025 WVRAA Meet officially kicked off on March 2 at the Binirayan Sports Complex in Antique. The opening ceremony featured a parade of over 5,000 delegates from six provinces across Western Visayas, including representatives from Iloilo.
DepEd Undersecretary Atty. Peter Irving Corvera, DepEd Region 6 Director Dr. Ramir Uytico, and Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao led the event.
Corvera, speaking on behalf of DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, encouraged student-athletes to compete while fostering camaraderie, learning from their experiences, and enjoying the event.
He also highlighted the success stories of national athletes who began their journeys as student-athletes in local competitions like the WVRAA.
The WVRAA Meet will run until March 8, with various competitions scheduled at different venues across Antique.
