DepEd Region IV-A CALABARZON officially commenced the 2023 Regional Athletic Association Meet, a scholastic multi-sport competition, at Dasmariñas City Arena on March 24, 2023.
156 student-athletes, 120 delegation officials, and 56 training staff of the Schools Division of Calamba City come together in Dasmariñas City vying to represent the region in the 2023 Palarong Pambansa. This year’s event is hosted by SDO Dasmariñas City, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Dasmariñas.
The six-day athletic meet started with the parade of colors of the 23 SDOs in the region. Hon. Mayor Roseller ‘Ross’ H. Rizal, together with SDS Gerlie Ilagan and ASDS Jaypee E. Lopo represented Team Calamba.
In his message, Schools Division Superintendent of SDO Dasmariñas City Raymundo M. Cantonjos, welcomed thousands of student-athletes, coaches, regional, division, and technical officials for the regional sports competition as “we are honored to host this year’s RAAM to showcase the athletic talent and skills of the young athletes in our region.”
Dasmariñas City Hon. Mayor Jennifer A. Barzaga urged all participating SDOs to help them successfully perform their roles as the host city of RAAM 2023 through their support and cooperation, in keeping with this year’s theme, “Sports for Peace.” She also stressed the importance of building camaraderie and unity in sports as “we foster friendship and teamwork which will translate into greater enthusiasm, efficiency, and productivity.”
Meanwhile, Hon. Mayor Rizal met with the Calamba City athletes to show his support and wish the delegates success in the games as “we provide them the opportunities for sports participation to develop their health, physical fitness, and values inherent in the practice of sports.”
DepEd Region IV-A Director Alberto T. Escobarte, CESO II, officially declared the opening of the Region IV-A RAAM 2023.
The emerging champions in the RAAM will represent the CALABARZON region in the upcoming 2023 Palarong Pambansa on July 29 to August 5, 2023 in Marikina City.