By Cherry Joy Garma/PNA
LAOAG CITY — Over 10,000 athletes and officials participating in the 2019 Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) meet are now hard at work preparing for the upcoming March 3-8 sporting event.
Lead organizers said “it’s all system go” for the anticipated regional event to be hosted by the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte (SDOIN) and the provincial government led by Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos.
On Monday, the 14 billeting schools in Laoag City and nearby towns said their facilities are well equipped with enough water supply and other utilities to make around 10,000 athletes and officials feel comfortable during the course of the events.
Last February 11, the Department of Education in Region 1 conducted a special management committee meeting for the final planning and coordination led by Regional Director Malcolm Garma, with some key personnel of the provincial government at the SDOIN Conference Hall.
“Our aim here is to have zero injury, or damages, thus, we are here to listen to all your concerns and address them for the smooth conduct of the R1AA,” Garma said.
Playing venues are now ready to accommodate the competing teams representing Pangasinan 1 and 2, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte and the cities of Dagupan, Alaminos, San Carlos, Urdaneta, San Fernando, Candon, Vigan, Batac and Laoag.
Road security and contingency plans were also presented by the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, and Bureau of Fire Protection during the management committee meeting to ensure safe and peaceful conduct of the grand event.
Inspection of billeting schools for fire safety measures were also conducted by the provincial fire marshal and SDOIN staff.
For the March 3 kick-off event, Aianree Raquel, provincial tourism officer of the Ilocos Norte government, said some 2,000 teachers and selected Ilocano talents were tasked to perform in the opening salvo showcasing the life of Ilocano icon Lam-ang (Biag ni Lam-ang).
