Leyte Provincial Meet kicks off
(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — The Leyte Provincial Meet began on December 9 with a vibrant opening ceremony at the Leyte Sports Center, uniting athletes, supporters, and local leaders from across the province.
Board Member Marie Kathryn “Chinggay” Veloso Kabigting of Leyte’s 3rd District attended to express strong support for the district’s athletes, who are competing for spots in regional and national events, including the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) games and Palarong Pambansa.
Kabigting highlighted the contribution of her sister, Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, who sponsored uniforms for all 709 athletes representing District 3. “This collective effort empowers our athletes to proudly represent our district,” she said.
The Provincial Meet, a key component of Leyte’s sports development program, features athletes from five districts vying for a place on the provincial team that will compete in the EVRAA games. While LGUs and municipal mayors primarily support district-level teams, provincial-level contingents often rely on congressmen’s funding.
However, disparities in financial support emerged. District 3 athletes enjoyed full sponsorship, while other districts, such as the 4th District, faced funding gaps.
Parents and teachers from the Department of Education stepped in to cover costs, with a 500-athlete contingent reportedly requiring over P1.3 million for four days of competition.
Representing Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla, Provincial Administrator Cora Alvero reaffirmed Leyte’s commitment to nurturing athletic talent.
As the games unfold, District 3’s well-supported athletes are early favorites, but the uneven resource distribution highlights the need for equitable backing across all districts to ensure fair competition. (RGA)
