After 2-year of hiatus due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Davao Oriental Provincial Athletic Meet made a victorious comeback this year with its grand staging over the weekend from Mach 17–19, 2023, hosted by the Municipality of Lupon. The highly anticipated provincial sporting event was attended by athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts from the ten municipalities of the province.
Young athletes came together from every corner of Davao Oriental to compete, showing highly competitive skills in every category and engaging in different athletic events. It was a magnificent monument to the winning mentality of athletics and highlighted the athletes’ flair, grit, and sportsmanship.
Attending the Opening Ceremonies, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon expressed her excitement for the comeback of the games, knowing that once more, “the students have the opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities” in sports.
She regards such sports initiatives as a perfect training ground for honing the next sports gems of Davao Oriental, which could be the next National or Olympic champions and will bring pride and honor to the province.
“It is my hope that Davao Oriental will be able to produce outstanding sports champions,” Gov. Malanyaon remarked.
The governor also commended the Department of Education – Davao Oriental’s sincere regard for the students’ holistic learning and honing the abilities of the children and the youth. “Aside from providing a platform for physical interactions, this is one strategy to develop compassionate, optimistic, resilient, and aspirational students,” she stressed.
Mayor Erlinda Lim of the generous host town of Lupon remarked how grateful they are for being chosen as host for this year’s Provincial Meet, noting that this definitely helped in boosting the town’s tourism industry with the influx of guests coming in throughout the duration of the games. She also lauded the exemplary collaborative efforts of the local government unit, the provincial government, the Department of Education, and various private sectors in making the event successful.
This year’s Davao Oriental Provincial Athletic Meet was a success courtesy of the concerted hard work and dedication of the organizers, volunteers, technical officials, coaches, and athletes. The Department of Education – Davao Oriental, as the event’s driving force led by Schools Division Superintendent (SDS), Reynaldo B. Mellorida, together with the Provincial Government spearheaded by Sports Coordinator Engr. Ma. Victoria Rodriguez and Provincial Administrator Ma. Gracia Tiago ensured that all measures and protocols were followed appropriately in order to guarantee the safety of all participants and attendees.
Qualified athletes of the provincial meet will then advance to represent the Province of Davao Oriental at the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet 2023 this April 24-28 at the Davao Del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City, and will compete against the contingents from Davao City, Digos City, IGACOS (Island Garden City of Samal), Mati City, Panabo City, Tagum City, Davao Del Norte, Davao Del Sur, Davao De Oro, and Davao Occidental. ʙʏ ꜰʀᴀɴᴄɪꜱ ᴊᴀʏ ʙᴜᴛᴜʟᴀɴ| ᴘʜᴏᴛᴏꜱ ʙʏ ᴍᴀʀᴋ ᴏʟɪᴠᴇʀ ᴀʟᴠɪᴛᴇ
