BAGUIO CITY–The Provincial Government of Apayao and the Department of Education – Cordillera (DepEd-CAR) signed a memorandum of agreement to ensure a successful staging of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) 2019 sports meet to be hosted by the province of Apayao.
Apayao Governor Elias Bulut Jr., DepEd-CAR Assistant Regional Director Bettina Daytec- Aquino, Apayao Schools Division Superintendent Ronald Castillo, Apayao, Deputy Provincial Director for Administration PSupt. Jefferson Cariaga, and DepEd Assistant Regional Sports Coordinator Georaloy Palao-ay inked the MOA during the Kapihan Media forum here last week.
Aquino said the MOA signing is a sealing of the partnership between the DepEd and the province of Apayao to ensure mutual cooperation and achieve a successful staging of CARAA.
Bulut welcomed the partnership anew as it hosts the largest sports meet in the region for the second time on February 27 to March 3, 2019 in Luna, Apayao.
“We want to showcase our improved sports complex and playing venues and at the same time, promote our tourist spots to all visitors who will be watching the CARAA games,” said Bulut.
The Apayao LGU is now making all the preparations that include the refurbishment of the billeting areas and playing venues at the different areas in the lower Apayao municipalities and the main venue at the Apayao Eco-Tourism and Sports Complex in Payanan, Luna.
Bulut added that the different municipal government units are also busy preparing their respective tourism destinations which will be one of the major highlights for the visitors to Apayao. They will also be showcasing Apayao’s rich culture and tradition.
“As part of the hosting of CARAA 2019, we would like to showcase the new surprises in Apayao such as the eco-tourism destinations that were initially opened during the first hosting of the CARAA in 2013,” Bulut said.
Among the tourist destinations that will be opened for eco-tourism include the underground river of the Lussok cave, the Marag Valley and Duppag rock formations in Luna; the Nagan River dubbed as one of the cleanest rivers in the country which is also home to the Philippine Eagle, the church ruins in Pudtol, and the Bacut Lake in Santa Marcela.
More than 6,000 athletes, coaches, officials and other delegates are expected in this year’s CARAA meet with DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones as guest. **JDP/RMC- PIA CAR
