Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara delivers his message at the opening of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) meet in La Trinidad, Benguet on Sunday (Feb. 23, 2025). He encouraged the 4,000 young athletes participating in the weeklong event to continue striving to become the country’s representatives in international competitions. (Screenshot of the live feed of the DepEd-CAR)
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara delivered an inspiring message to more than 4,000 athletes from the six provinces and two cities of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), urging them to keep pushing toward international sports success.
Speaking at the opening of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) meet held at the Wangal Sports Complex in La Trinidad, Benguet, Angara reminded the young athletes that the path to greatness is paved with challenges.
He emphasized that just as one must conquer steep trails, biting cold, fatigue, and sleepless nights to reach the summit of the country’s highest peaks, the road to sporting excellence is also built on perseverance. “Every struggle is a test, and those who refuse to quit will eventually stand at the top—sports, like life, is no different,” he said.
Angara also highlighted the journeys of renowned athletes such as Olympic gold medalists Carlos Yulo and Hidilyn Diaz, along with world champion EJ Obiena. He recalled how Hidilyn suffered defeats at the Beijing and London Olympics before earning a silver medal in Rio de Janeiro and ultimately a gold in Tokyo. Similarly, Carlos faced numerous losses before securing his Olympic golds, and EJ relentlessly pursued his goals despite early setbacks.
He stressed that competitions are about more than just winning medals. “It’s about the daily courage we muster to face life’s challenges,” Angara noted, urging athletes to show up and give their best in every match. Even if not every competitor reaches the podium, each has the opportunity to exhibit determination, discipline, and integrity.
“This year, we are playing for something greater than gold. I challenge all of you to compete fiercely yet fairly, to win with humility, and to lose with dignity. Honor your school, your province, and your Cordilleran roots,” he declared.
Looking ahead, Angara announced that the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in May, to be held in Ilocos Norte, will introduce weightlifting and pole vaulting as new competition events. He also congratulated the Cordillera region for topping the medal tally in wushu and taekwondo at the previous Palarong Pambansa in Cebu.
