By Rachel Magday

 

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) Nueva Vizcaya on Thursday formally received a ₱13.5 million check from the provincial government to fund the province’s participation in the upcoming Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA) Meet set on April 12–16, 2026 in Santiago City.

Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito turned over the check to Schools Division Superintendent Orlando E. Manuel in a brief ceremony attended by personnel of the Schools Division Office.

The amount comes from the province’s Special Education Fund (SEF), underscoring the local government’s continued commitment to youth development and sports excellence.

Of the total allocation, ₱1.5 million was used to support the recently concluded Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Athletic Association Meet, which served as the qualifying competition for athletes advancing to the regional level.

The remaining ₱12 million has been earmarked to cover the delegation’s expenses for the CAVRAA Meet, including training, uniforms, transportation, and other logistical requirements.

During the turnover, Gov Gambito and NV DepEd officials also discussed Nueva Vizcaya’s preparations for its scheduled hosting of the CAVRAA next year.

Gambito emphasized the importance of ensuring that the province is fully prepared to stage a successful and well-organized regional athletic event. “To host CAVRAA is both an honor and a responsibility. We must ensure that our facilities and preparations meet regional standards,” the governor said.

In line with this, the provincial government has allocated an initial fund of ₱60 million for the repair and upgrading of the Nueva Vizcaya Sports Complex. Provincial Engineer Jerry A. Tan said ₱20 million will be used for the rehabilitation of the basketball and volleyball courts, as well as the repair of the perimeter fence.

The remaining ₱40 million will fund the installation of a rubberized oval track, a key facility requirement for major athletic competitions.

Nueva Vizcaya last hosted the CAVRAA in 2015 — a landmark year when the province not only successfully staged the regional meet but also reclaimed the overall championship title after a 27-year hiatus.