BAGUIO CITY – The city government’s preparations for the hosting of the 2016 Cordillera Administrative Regional Athletic Association (CARAA) meet on Feb. 6-10 shifted to high gear last week.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan last week directed concerned departments to take charge of sprucing up and preparing the various venues and ensure readiness of required personnel, security, logistics and other provisions to ensure the success of the athletic event.
The sporting event is again expected to draw the participation of over 5,000 athletes and delegates from the five provinces and two cities of the region.
The mayor tapped city parks management officer Cordelia Lacsamana, city engineering officer-in-charge Elpidio Garabiles, city building and architecture officer Nazita Banez, city administrator Carlos Canilao, city health officer Dr. Rowena Galpo, Emergency Medical Service director Dr. John Tinoyan, city general services officer and acting city police director Rolando Miranda for the tasks.
He particularly sought the improvement and rehabilitation of the Melvin Jones Football Grounds and Archery Range, reservation of the playing venues, swimming pool, football field, the Baguio Convention Center and others.
He said security personnel should be on hand throughout the event starting from the opening program and at the various billeting centers and playing venues.
Medical personnel will also be deployed complete with ambulances and medical equipment and paraphernalia.
The mayor also stressed the need to fast-track the procurement of all materials and equipment needed for the events to ensure that these will be ready in time for the sports meet.
City sports development officer Gaudencio Gonzales said the city allotted P4 million for the sports activity.
The mayor will meet with the contractor of the rehabilitation of the Baguio Athletic Bowl next week to ensure that the facility which will serve as the seat of the CARAA will be ready for the meet particularly the installation of the tartan track at the race oval.
The city was tapped as venue for this year’s regional meet anew after its hosting last year proved successful even while the upgrading of the sports facility was then half done.
The participants then enjoyed the newly refurbished bleachers and stage at the athletic bowl but made do with the compacted dirt tracks.
The mayor said he will do his best to ensure that the rubberized track oval will be ready for the meet./A Refuerzo
