• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday admitted that he was disappointed by the result of Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association meet, where Negros Occidental trailed Iloilo, which was declared as champion.
If you ask me, if I am happy, I am not. Lacson said, although he congratulated all athletes from Negros Occidental, who gave their “very best.”
Negros Occidental was the first runner up, with Aklan the second runner up, according to the Department of Education.
During the 2019 WVRAA meet, Negros Occidental was the champion in the elementary level regular events, and first runner up in the secondary level regular events
This year WVRAA, Iloilo dominated both in elementary and secondary levels. “This time, we lose both overall,” Lacson said.
“I hope this will challenge all of us, and all the people concerned,” the governor said, adding “In 2024, we have to do better. We really have to catch up with Iloilo.”
Iloilo bagged 229 gold, 154 silver and 100 bronze medals for both the elementary and secondary regular events.
Negros Occidental won 170 gold, 165 silver and 118 bronze.
While we dominated certain sports, such as swimming and volleyball ladies, Lacson said he was also disappointed in the chess games, where Negros Occidental got a bronze medal in the elementary level regular event despite efforts of the provincial government to sponsor numerous chess tournaments.
“We were beaten, and we will have to accept that. I hope that it will pose a challenge to us again in 2024,” said the governor, who attended the WVRAA meet opening on April 16 in Aklan.
Lacson stressed the need to take advantage of athletic events, where many gold medals are up for grabs.
“It is here where the province comes in,” he said, noting that those events are mostly sponsored by DepEd, while swimming and volleyball is sponsored by the private sector.
Lacson said he directed Provincial Sports Consultant Tony Agustin to hold regular athletic events, such as track and field, for both elementary and secondary levels.
As for the chess tournaments, we have go back to the drawing board, he added.
Lacson also maintained not giving cash incentives to amateur athletes, as he stressed that incentives should come from within, as they represent their school, family and province.*
