The annual Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association Meet originally set this month has been rescheduled last week of March to ensure the welfare of all participants and the public amid the threats of the novel coronavirus.
Department of Education-Cordillera Information Officer Georaloy Palao-ay said the Caraa board set the tentative dates for the Caraa 2020 from March 24 to 28.
Around 7,000 athletes, coaches, teachers, and other participants are supposed to converge in Baguio for this year’s Caraa.
“This is in adherence, likewise, with the pronouncement of Secretary Leonor Briones through DepEd Memorandum 15, s. 2020 that all regional and national events this February are suspended and postponed especially events that allow congregation of huge number of learners and personnel such as regional sports events and the National Schools Press Conference and the National Festival of Talents,” Palao-ay said.
He said the dates would still depend on the advice of the Department of Health.
Many of the participants from the various provinces, who earlier arrived in Baguio and nearby La Trinidad, Benguet to acclimatize, were sent home to their respective areas.
“If the virus problem worsens, then the challenge method will be applied in the selection of athletes to the Palarong Pambansa come May 1 to 9, 2020 in Marikina City so training of athletes will continue,” Fernando Eleponga of DepEd-Baguio said.
The challenge method means the champion of the specific game would be challenged by interested athletes.
Deped earlier clarified the Palarong Pambansa slated May this year would not be suspended.
“The Department shall periodically evaluate the necessity of suspending such national and regional activities, and shall, every Monday and/or when the need arises, announce whether such suspension shall continue, depending on the development of the situation and upon the advice of the DOH,” it stated.
DepEd also advised schools to be vigilant on the nCov and to conduct information dissemination in schools on precautionary measures against the novel coronavirus. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 24, 2024
