07/09/2026
CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela — Student-athletes from across Cauayan City gathered at the BGDY Sports Complex today, September 7, as the 2026 Cauayan City Athletics Association Meet officially opened with the theme, “Every Athlete is a Champion, Rising Together Through Sports.”
Chelo C. Tangan, EdD, CESO VI, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, urged athletes and coaches to surpass their previous achievements and aim for a stronger performance in upcoming competitions.
“Our prayer is that we will be able to overcome our performance last CAVRAA,” Tangan said, challenging the delegation to go beyond its previous accomplishments and improve on its two-gold-medal finish in Agusan del Sur.
Tangan also emphasized that every athlete is already a champion for choosing sports and committing to the discipline required of an athlete.
“There are many other options, pero pinili niyo ang mapunta sa sports,” she said, highlighting the dedication and commitment required to pursue athletics.
Beyond competition, Tangan stressed the role of sports in helping students develop discipline and avoid unhealthy habits and addictions. She noted that athletes’ commitment to training and competition can help them make positive choices in their daily lives.
“Disiplina talaga ang pagiging isang athlete,” Tangan emphasized, reminding the athletes that their success should not be measured solely by medals.
She further encouraged the participants to recognize their worth regardless of the outcome of their events, saying that winning is not the only measure of being a champion.
“Pag nag-champion kayo, pag ’di kayo nanalo—you already are a champion,” Tangan said.
Meanwhile, Eugenio Asirit, City Councilor, called on the athletes to embody discipline, courage, sportsmanship, and perseverance throughout the competition.
“Sa ating mga atleta, ibigay niyo ang inyong pinakamahusay, lumaban ng matatag at ipakita ang inyong pagmamahal sa inyong paaralan at sa ating mahal na lungsod,” Asirit said, urging the participants to give their best, compete with determination, and demonstrate their pride in their schools and city.
Schools Division Superintendent Cherry S. Ramos, EdD, CESO V, meanwhile, expressed confidence that Cauayan City’s athletes can improve on their previous achievements and prepare for the CAVRAA and Palarong Pambansa 2027.
“Cauayan City is now ready to come back and be ready for CAVRAA and Palarong Pambansa 2027—Laban Atletang Cauayeño, Aral Kaya,” Ramos said.
Ramos underscored that discipline should extend beyond the playing field, emphasizing that it should be reflected in how athletes conduct themselves wherever they are and whatever they do.
She identified discipline and resilience as among the qualities that define a champion, noting that an athlete’s strength should not only be demonstrated during competition but also when facing pressure and large crowds.
Ramos further highlighted that athletes should develop not only physical strength but also knowledge and intelligence in their respective events, as these qualities contribute to becoming well-rounded competitors.
The Schools Division Superintendent also pointed to Cauayan City’s previous Palarong Pambansa achievement of two gold, three silver, and two bronze medals, expressing confidence that the city can improve on the feat.
She noted that Cauayan City leads Region II in gold-medal production, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a strong contender in regional and national competitions.
With the city’s athletes now competing in the 2026 Cauayan City Athletics Association Meet, officials urged them to carry discipline, resilience, knowledge, and sportsmanship as they pursue victory and prepare for bigger competitions ahead.
