The University of Antique (UA) Red Ants face off against the Aklan Men’s Volleyball Team during a tune-up game at the UA Traditional Knowledge Center in Sibalom, Antique, on Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2025). Athletes from across Western Visayas are preparing for the WVRAA 2025 Meet, with playing venues nearing completion. (Photo by PNA OJT Rosa Mae Blanco)
Athletic delegations from across Western Visayas have begun arriving in Antique, ready to compete in the highly anticipated Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet 2025, set to kick off on March 1.
Antique Provincial Engineer Inocencio Dajao Jr., who is overseeing the event preparations, confirmed on Thursday that most of the playing venues are in their final stages, with athletes already engaging in tune-up matches.
“We have completed preparations for almost all venues, except for the rubber overlay on the oval track at the Binirayan Sports Complex in San Jose de Buenavista,” Dajao stated. He assured that the track’s overlay is being expedited for completion by Friday, allowing athletes time to familiarize themselves with the surface before the official competitions begin.
Claire J. Tumbagahan, coach of the Regional Science High School athletes representing Aklan Province, highlighted the intense training her team has undergone in preparation for the event.
“We anticipate a challenging but fair competition at the WVRAA Meet,” Tumbagahan said. Her team arrived in Antique on Monday and is currently accommodated at Sibalom National High School and Sibalom Central School.
PJ Gandecila, an athlete from Guimaras Province, shared his team’s determination to improve upon last year’s bronze medal performance.
“Our goal is to bring home the gold this year after finishing sixth overall in 2024,” Gandecila stated, noting that the team has been rigorously training for two months.
In the lead-up to the event, the University of Antique (UA) Red Ants organized a series of tune-up games against high school teams from across Region 6. These matches, held from February 25 to 28 at the university’s Traditional Knowledge Center in Sibalom, were designed to help athletes refine their skills and ensure they are in peak condition for the upcoming competitions.
Meanwhile, Aklan Delegation Accommodations Chairperson Carlo Tropa expressed his satisfaction with the billeting arrangements provided by local schools.
“All our requested accommodations have been met, and we are grateful for the hospitality extended to our delegation,” Tropa said.
The WVRAA Meet 2025 will take place from March 1 to 8, bringing together the best young athletes from Western Visayas to showcase their talent and determination on the regional stage.
