Biliran hosts Eastern Visayas regional sports meet

NAVAL, Biliran, Feb. 6 (PNA) – After 22 years, Naval once again hosted the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet, drawing over 12,000 visitors.

Naval Mayor Gerard Espina said they have prepared for the activity since September last year, months ahead of the regional sports meet official opening late Sunday afternoon at the Biliran Sport complex here.

The local government had set up eight billeting schools to house all delegates from the region’s six provinces.

The grandstand in Larrazabal village was rehabilitated as it is where swimming and other field competitions will be held.

“We have been stepping up security measures to ensure everyone’s safety,” Espina said.

At least 200 policemen have been deployed from the police regional office to augment the 40 policemen assigned in Naval. They are supported with hundreds of village watchmen and civilian volunteers.

In terms of traffic, the local government imposed a color-coding scheme for more than 400 passenger tricycles operating in 22 villages.

“We feel the pressure in hosting a big sporting event, but we welcome the challenge and believe that this will help us promote Naval,” Espina said.

The week-long sports event will close on Feb. 10. Winners will represent the region in Palarong Pambansa, the country’s national school-based sports event.

Meanwhile, Leyte Division Schools Superintendent Ronelo Al Firmo expressed optimism that they will bag a back-to-back championship from their EVRAA victory last year in Ormoc City.

The division initiated an in-house training in San Joaquin, Palo from Jan. 25 until Feb. 2 for 540 delegates, including officials.

Some of their athletes have also been housed at the Leyte Sports Academy.

Leyte Division was the champion for elementary and high school.(PNA)
FPV/SQM/RAVEN LUNA