The much-awaited 2025 Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (Evraa) Meet officially kicked off in Tacloban City on Wednesday, March 5, with around 5,000 athletes and coaches from across the region converging for the final leg of this prestigious sporting event.
During the opening ceremony at the Tacloban City Convention Center, Dr. Ronelo Al Firmo, Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Education (DepEd) Eastern Visayas, highlighted the significance of the Evraa Meet. “This event serves as a platform for our student-athletes to showcase their talent, determination, and sportsmanship,” he said. He further emphasized how sports instill core values such as perseverance, excellence, and unity in young individuals.
Rain or Shine, the Competitions Continue
Despite the rainy weather, participants from 13 school divisions across the region were undeterred. The Evraa Meet, running from March 5 to 9, will feature a variety of events including archery, athletics, dancesport, gymnastics, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, wrestling, and special games for para-athletes. Various venues throughout Tacloban City will host the competitions, providing a vibrant backdrop for the athletes’ hard work and determination.
Support from Local Leaders and Sporting Heroes
DepEd Regional Director Dr. Evelyn Fetalvero expressed her appreciation to the DepEd Tacloban City Division Office and Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez for their support in hosting the regional meet. In her message, she reminded the delegates of the importance of their participation, encouraging them to "harness their potential, overcome challenges, and create new successes for the future."
Mayor Romualdez also took the opportunity to rally the participants, stating that “we compete together, face challenges together, and obviously, we will be successful together."
A highlight of the opening ceremony was the lighting of the friendship urn by 2024 Olympic bronze medalist and Tacloban native Aira Villegas. She was joined by 2024 Palarong Pambansa gold medalists Jan Dwayne Malpas and Karl Eitan Reposar, as well as Asia Tria Youth Championship gold medalist Yvaine Osias. Local leaders, including Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado and Ormoc Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, were also present to support the event.
