By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Iloilo cemented its dominance in regional athletics after emerging as the overall champion in the 2025 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet in Antique.
The province topped the secondary division with 275 medals and the Paragames with 77 medals, outpacing its closest rival, Negros Occidental, which finished as first runner-up in both categories.
“Iloilo is the seat of the abode of the Kings of WVRAA! The realm of true champions! […] More progress and Pangibabaw Iloilo!” said Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ernesto Servillon Jr.
Negros Occidental, which ranked second overall, dominated the elementary division, winning the overall championship with 167 medals, followed by Iloilo and Antique as first and second runners-up, respectively.
Beyond athletic performance, delegations that displayed discipline, organization, and sportsmanship were recognized with special awards.
Guimaras emerged as the most decorated delegation, securing four titles:
- Most Festive Delegation
- Best in Saludo
- Best in Uniform
- Most Disciplined Delegation
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental was awarded Cleanest & Greenest Delegation.
Uytico Praises Athletes’ Character and Resilience
Department of Education Region 6 Director Dr. Ramir Uytico emphasized that the WVRAA Meet is more than just a competition but a celebration of skill, strength, endurance, and unity among diverse teams.
“Each competition, every victory, and even the setbacks have contributed to shaping the character of our athletes. Whether you won or not, you are still a winner,” Uytico said.
He commended the athletes for demonstrating sportsmanship, discipline, and resilience—qualities that define true champions.
Uytico also encouraged them to strive for excellence and remain active in their communities, as their experiences in sports will contribute to their future achievements.
As Iloilo celebrates its victory, anticipation builds for the 2026 WVRAA Meet, which will be hosted by Passi City.
Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares officially received the WVRAA banner during the ceremonial turnover at the closing ceremony on Friday, March 7.
Passi City boasts several sports facilities, making it a viable host for regional and national sporting events.
The Passi City Sports Complex, located at Passi City College, has been undergoing significant upgrades since August 2024.
An PHP 80-million project is set to enhance the sports complex, including:
- A 400-meter rubberized track and field facility
- Improvements to the existing grandstand
- Installation of a perimeter fence
Additionally, the Passi City Arena, with a seating capacity of 2,000, serves as the home arena of the Iloilo United Royals in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).