‘THE KIDS ARE SAFE’: DepEd-6 assures student-athletes’ safety during WVRAA meet 2023

By John Noel E. Herrera

The Department of Education (DepEd)-6 assured the safety of student-athletes who will participate in this year’s Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) meet from April 26 to 30, 2023.

DepEd-6 regional director Dr. Ramir B. Uytico said the Aklan Schools Division Office (SDO), the host of this year’s regional meet, already prepared and checked the sports venues for the event, including the headquarters, to ensure that they are all clean and safe to avoid untoward incidents.

“Every time, nakikipagmeeting kami sa lahat ng officiating officials, mga regional officials kung papaano tayo makakapag-produce ng champions, but at the same time making sure that they are all safe,” Uytico added in a virtual press conference on Thursday, April 20, 2023.

The health and safety measures were put in place amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the searing summer heat.

Uytico noted that the student-athletes who will be joining the event underwent medical evaluation, while the officiating personnel will be subjected to blood pressure checks from time to time.

Aklan SDO also said that ambulances will be on standby in each sports venue to ensure a quick medical response to injuries or other health-related situations.

It also noted that it already coordinated with a provincial hospital in Aklan, which will provide a “special lane” for severe emergency cases.

DepEd-6 stressed that minimum health and safety protocols will still be in place as the threat of COVID-19 is still present and cases have been increasing as of late.

The wearing of face masks is highly encouraged, especially in closed areas and for athletes who will play non-contact sports, like chess.

The office also reminded all SDOs, coaches, and officials to look after themselves and their students and ensure that they are all hydrated as extreme heat might affect their health.

Meanwhile, police personnel will be deployed in different areas, including in Calangcang Sports Complex, Makato, Aklan, where the opening of the sports meeting will be held, to ensure the security of the participants.

The Makato Municipal Police Station also asked for the cooperation of the public and the participants to follow their security protocols, like bag checking and body frisking as one way to maintain peace and order in the venue.

Data from DepEd-6 indicated that around 4,182 individuals will participate in the WVRAA, which include 847 from Negros Occidental, 787 from Iloilo; Antique (744); Aklan (742); Capiz (681), and 381 from Guimaras Island.

There will be 24 sports events for the secondary level and 15 events for the elementary level, with over 2,000 medals at stake, according to DepEd-6.