𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐏𝐀𝐌 𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐒: ‘𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒’
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro on Sunday had a clear message for the thousands of young athletes gathered for the 2026 Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) Meet, telling them that they represent more than just their school divisions or provinces and that they are the region’s tomorrow.
Speaking during the opening of the weeklong sports event at the Teodoro “Doring” Mendiola Sr. Sports Field and Track in the City of Naga, Gov. Baricuatro urged the athletes to carry themselves with discipline and heart.
“As governor of Cebu, I want you to know this: We believe in you. We believe that you are not just athletes—you are the future of Central Visayas,” Gov. Baricuatro said.
The governor acknowledged the sacrifices the young competitors made to reach the regional meet, from grueling early morning trainings to moments of self-doubt.
“Kabalo ko dili lalim ang inyong giagian aron makaabot mo diri. Pero karon, naa mo diri. And that alone already makes you winners,” she said.
She challenged the athletes to compete with discipline, courage, and character, stressing that true success is defined by more than podium finishes.
“This event is not just about medals… This is about discipline. This is about courage. And most importantly—this is about character,” she said, noting that real champions are measured by resilience, respect, and perseverance.
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐚
Gov. Baricuatro also announced a potential partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission to build a world-class sports arena in Cebu, aimed at strengthening grassroots and elite sports development.
“Kana damgo gyud na nako. A place where athletes like you can train better, compete bigger, and dream even higher,” she said.
She likewise prodded participants to give their best and cherish the experience.
“𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭”
“Whether you win or lose, what matters is that you gave your heart. Ang inyong hinumduman—kaning higayona, ang inyong paningkamot, ug ang inyong mga damgo nga inyong gisugdan diri,” she added.
Joining her at the opening were Nathaniel Binlod, representing Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado; officials from the host city; Vice Gov. Glenn Soco; and members of the Cebu Provincial Board.
Also present were mayors, Congresswomen Lolypop Quano-Dizon (Mandaue City) and Cynthia King-Chan (Lapu-Lapu City), along with DepEd Region 7 Director Salustiano Jimenez, City of Naga Schools Division Superintendent Ronald Gutay and other education officials.
With the theme “United in Sports,” the weeklong CVIRAA meet gathers elementary and high school athletes from 12 school divisions across Cebu and Bohol, with top performers set to represent the region in the Palarong Pambansa. | CAPITOL PIO photos/FE
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