The Department of Education and the Department of Health in the region assured that health and food safety will be prioritized for the over 6,000 delegates of the 2020 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) meet from February 16 to 21, 2020 in Baguio City.
This was assured by Dr. Soraya Faculo, OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of Baguio during a press conference held January 15, 2020 at the Baguio City multipurpose hall. The concern on the health of CARAA delegates was raised after several athletes suffered diarrhea in 2019 for the same event held in Apayao.
Faculo said the DOH Cordillera as well as the City health Services Office (CHSO) committed to inspect and monitor water and food that will be distributed to the delegates.
While an Incident Command Center will be set up, the DepEd likewise tapped the assistance of medical and rescue volunteer groups to ensurie the health and safety of the delegates.
As part of the preparations, the agency has already coordinated with the management of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center to designate an express lane for the CARAA delegates.
Dr. Dandeo Halog of the City health Services asked for the vigilance of the medical team of each of the provincial and city delegates to prevent food and water-borne disease as well as respiratory illnesses.
The Baguio Water District was also requested by DepEd to prioritize ample supply of water to the billeting schools. DepEd ordered 50 drums of water to be delivered daily for the billeting venues of the six-day event.
Last year’s CARAA meet was hosted by the province of Apayao with Baguio City maintaining its overall champion streak having finished with 205 gold, 110 silver and 79 bronze medals which was lower compared to the 2018 finish of 222-102-61 medals finish due to athletes suffering from diarrhea and dehydration.
In 2019, Apayao province ranked second with 69 gold, 76 silver and 79 bronze medals easing out Benguet who used to be the perennial second placer. Abra also improved its medal standing having 39-48-88 followed by Benguet with 35-66-83; Ifugao had 27-48-70; and, Mountain Province hauled 16-25-44. Tabuk City had 12 golds, 29 silvers and 37 bronze medals separate from Kalinga province’s 6-6-20 medal finish.
The CARAA meet serves as a training ground and qualifier for athletes to the Palarong Pambansa as well as other national and international sports events. ** Jessa Mardy Samidan
