Calamba City delegation made a strong showing at the official opening of the Regional Athletic Association Meet (RAAM) 2026, held at the Batangas City Sports Complex, March 7.

Leading the contingent with high hopes for the regional podiums, City Mayor Roseller “Ross” Rizal, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Merthel M. Evardone, and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Nadine C. Celindro stood alongside Calambeño student-athletes to represent the city of the national hero as Region IV-A CALABARZON gathered to celebrate youth excellence and sportsmanship.

 

Keynote speaker and DepEd Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs, Atty. Filemon Ray Javier, issued a bold challenge to the CALABARZON athletes: rise to the occasion and surpass the National Capital Region in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa. He emphasized that sports are about more than winning, serving as a vital arena for learning discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

 

Javier pointed out that regional meets like the RAAM are the true breeding grounds for greatness. He cited icons like Alyssa Valdez and Terrence Romeo as prime examples of athletes who honed their skills in the region before achieving national fame, underscoring the vital role of grassroots development in shaping future champions.

 

The program opened with a heartfelt poem on unity by Batangas City SDS Hermogenes M. Panganiban, followed by a warm welcome from Mayor Mario Vittorio. Regional Director Atty. Alberto Escobarte Jr. further inspired the delegates by quoting an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.”

 

The celebration reached a high point as the event was graced by a performance from ABS-CBN artist Darren Espanto, followed by a marvelous firework display that capped the ceremony and ignited the competitive spirit of the delegates.