ILOILO City – The deferment of the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet originally scheduled from Feb. 15 to 22 with Aklan province as host should not be viewed with alarm or dismay, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).
“Let us take the postponement positively. We will have more than enough time to prepare for the WVRAA,” said Dr. Miguel Mac Aposin, Aklan Schools Division superintendent.
WVRA winners will represent Western Visayas in the 2020 Palarong Pambansa in Marikina City, Metro Manila.
Due to concerns over the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), DepEd Region 6 rescheduled this year’s WVRAA to March (21 to 28).
The new dates were agreed by all 20 Schools Divisions during a regional management committee meeting, according to Lea Belleza, DepEd regional information officer.
The Provincial Health Office of Aklan earlier recommended an indefinite suspension of the games following the national government’s suggestion for people to avoid crowded places as a precautionary measure against the 2019-nCoV.
In approving the rescheduling, DepEd regional director Dr. Ma. Gemma Ledesma said, “We cannot afford to risk the safety and health of almost 6,000 delegates which include athletes, coaches, technical officials, chaperones, and working committees.”
These delegates come from elementary and high schools of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.
“The playing venues and billeting quarters are ready but the safety of the athletes and sports officials is our top priority,” agreed Aposin./PN
