The highly anticipated Mimaropa Regional Athletic Association (MRAA) Meet officially commenced on May 23 in the town of Romblon, Romblon, marking the end of a three-year suspension due to the pandemic.

The opening program, held at Romblon National High School, was attended by officials from the region, including Romblon Governor Jose Riano, Oriental Mindoro Governor Bonz Dolor, Occidental Mindoro Governor Ed Gadiano, and Marinduque Governor Presbe Velasco, Jr.

In his opening remarks, Romblon Department of Education Schools Division Superintendent Roger Capa expressed his desire for the spirit of unity, strength, and resilience to prevail in this edition of the MRAA Meet, despite the emotional stress brought about by the pandemic.

“For the past three years, the pandemic halted the athletic contests like this one. It caused worry, restlessness, and anguish for all of us. But now, we are here once again, and everyone is excited to once again indulge in the healthy sport competition of our region,” Capa said.

This is the third time that the town of Romblon has hosted the MRAA Meet, where athletes from the provinces of Romblon, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Calapan City, Palawan, and Puerto Princesa City will compete in various sports disciplines.

The DepEd Mimaropa aims to identify and prepare athletes who can potentially represent the region in the Palarong Pambansa.

Meanwhile, Romblon Mayor Gerard Montojo made a plea to DepEd Secretary and Vice President Sarah Duterte to reconsider the “winner-take-all policy,” emphasizing that it may not be conducive to selecting the most talented athletes in the region.

The mayor stated, “We beg you, and the DepEd family to kindly revisit, restudy, and reconsider this policy so we can discover and produce the best athletes the Philippines could ever have.”

The MRAA Meet is set to run until May 26, providing an exciting platform for athletes to showcase their skills and compete at a high level.

“Nawa’y suportahan at ipalangin natin ang kaligtasan at tagumpay ng mga kabataang manlalaro,” said Dolor. “Laban Oriental Mindoro!”

As the sporting event unfolds, participants are eager to make their mark and demonstrate their athletic prowess, aiming to secure a place in the prestigious Palarong Pambansa.

The town of Romblon stands ready to provide a vibrant atmosphere and a fitting backdrop for this thrilling regional competition.