TACLOBAN CITY – The final leg of the 2025 Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet officially kicked off in Tacloban City on Wednesday, March 5, with around 5,000 athletes and coaches from 13 school divisions gathering for the region’s premier sports competition.
“This much-anticipated sporting event serves as a venue for our student-athletes to showcase their talent, determination, and sportsmanship,” said Ronelo Al Firmo, Department of Education (DepEd) assistant regional director, during the opening ceremony at the Tacloban City Convention Center.
“It is through these games that we witness the true power of sports in shaping our youth, instilling in them the values of perseverance, excellence, and unity,” he added.
Despite the rainy weather, the EVRAA Meet 2025 pushed forward with competitions scheduled from March 5 to 9 at various venues across Tacloban City.
Athletes will compete in events such as archery, athletics, dancesport, gymnastics, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, wrestling, and special games for para-athletes.
In a video message, DepEd Regional Director Evelyn Fetalvero commended Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez for his unwavering support and resources in hosting the event.
She also reminded athletes that their participation in this year’s EVRAA Meet would help them “harness potentials, overcome challenges, and create new successes that will propel us into the future.”
“We compete together, face challenges together, and, obviously, we will be successful together,” added Mayor Romualdez in his speech.
A highlight of the opening ceremony was the lighting of the friendship urn, led by 2024 Olympic bronze medalist and Tacloban native Aira Villegas.
She was joined by 2024 Palarong Pambansa gold medalists Jan Dwayne Malpas and Karl Eitan Reposar, as well as Asia Tria Youth Championship gold medalist Yvaine Osias.
Several local leaders also graced the event, including Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado, Ormoc Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, and other city, provincial, and congressional district officials.
With the competition now in full swing, Eastern Visayas’ top athletes are set to battle for glory, hoping to bring home medals and make their respective divisions proud.
(RONALD O. REYES)
