BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The provincial government of Apayao awarded cash incentives to students, coaches and trainers who won in the recently concluded Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet and Regional Academic Festival (RAF).
Governor Elias Bulut Jr. and Department of Education Apayao Superintendent Benedicta Gamatero led the turnover of P3 million cash incentive in recognition and reward for the hard work and dedication of the students who won in the different events and competitions of the CARAA and the RAF held in Baguio City last April 27 to May 1.
The province of Apayao retained its first runner up ranking in the CARAA bringing home a total of 193 medals with 53 gold, 54 silver, and 86 bronze.
The province first held the first runner up title during the CARAA in 2019 which Apayao hosted. The CARAA was suspended in 2020 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each gold medal has cash incentive of P15,000; P10,000 for silver, and P5,000 for bronze medal.
Rhythmic gymnasts Rhiane Pacampara, 12, and Sweetzie Alupani, 13, Apayao’s most bemedaled athletes in the CARAA 2023 received their cash prize amounting to P165,000. Pacampara from San Jose Elementary School won six gold medals and received a total of P90,000 while Alupani from Santo Rosario School garnered five gold medals and was awarded P75,000,
In the RAF, Apayao placed sixth in the overall standing garnering 444 points. Participants won in some of the competitions of the Regional Festival of Talents and Regional Schools Press Conference held at the Lucban Elementary School in Baguio City.
Bulut expressed his pride and admiration for the Apayao students for their success in the competition which reflects their determination in their respective sports and academic events.
He also highlighted the importance of sports meet and academic events in developing not just physical tools but also character, discipline, and teamwork, qualities that can help students succeed in sports and in life.
For her part, Apayao Representative Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang commended all the awardees, and thanked the athletes, participants, coaches, and parents for their achievement which showcased Apayao to the rest of the country.
The Apayao has also been investing in sports development in the province. Among the projects are the construction and improvement of sports facilities and equipment, training of coaches, and numerous tune-up games to ensure that the province's student-athletes have access to the best possible resources and guidance.
The Congresswoman also provided health insurance to all the CARAA athletes as well as the other participants.
Marlon Trumpo of DepEd-Apayao said that the success of the athletes and the participants of the RAF is due to the solid support being provided by the whole of Apayao. He said that the CARAA and RAF contingents have the solid support of the provincial and municipal government and the officials as well as the different line agencies and other stakeholders in the province. (JDP/RMC-PIA CAR/Apayao PLGU)
