Abra fires up CARAA 2027 drive; Early preparations underway

SPORTS

ABRA, Philippines — Abra is already turning up the heat for the 2027 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet, launching early preparations while setting its sights on a stronger finish in the regional sports competition.

Months before the April 9-16 games, the Department of Education (DepEd) Abra has begun coordinating with municipal mayors, provincial officials and national government agencies to ensure that playing venues, billeting schools, transportation, security and other requirements are ready for the weeklong sporting event.

Abra had initially expressed interest in hosting the 2026 CARAA Meet but later deferred, allowing Benguet to take over hosting duties. The province is now preparing to welcome the region’s young athletes for the 2027 edition.

As early as July 2026, personnel from the Schools Division Office of Abra met with Bangued Mayor Perfecto Cardenas, whose municipality is expected to host most of the billeting schools.

According to DepEd Abra, Cardenas expressed full support for the event, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase Abra’s culture and hospitality while promoting youth development through sports.

Other municipal mayors likewise signified their support for the hosting preparations.

Schools Division Superintendent Amador D. Garcia Sr. said the provincial government and the Office of Congressman Joseph Sto. Niño B. Bernos have pledged support for the necessary preparations.

Among the major projects is the renovation of the swimming pool, which is expected to improve Abra’s readiness to host aquatic events.

Traffic, security among major concerns

With eight delegations expected to participate, organizers are preparing for a major influx of athletes, coaches, officials and supporters.

Each delegation is projected to bring around 700 to 1,000 participants, making traffic management one of the major challenges identified by organizers.

Garcia, however, remains confident that close coordination among the police, local government units and other security forces will help ensure the smooth movement and safety of participants.

Policies and measures will also be put in place to ensure the safe and orderly accommodation of delegates throughout the competition.

Abra targets stronger finish

Beyond hosting the regional games, Abra is using CARAA 2027 as an opportunity to push its young athletes higher in the standings.

The province has steadily improved its performance over the years, moving from lower rankings in previous decades to regular appearances in the top five and even finishing third runner-up in some editions.

In the most recent competitions, Abra placed fourth, behind perennial contenders Baguio City, Benguet and Apayao.

Now, provincial leaders want to turn home-court advantage into a stronger medal haul.

Bernos and Governor Eustaquio Bersamin have volunteered funding to support athletes’ conditioning and provide assistance to trainers as part of the province’s preparations.

Abra has also launched an early selection and training program designed not only for the 2027 CARAA Meet but also for succeeding competitions over the next five years.

Bernos said Abra’s young athletes possess the talent needed to compete at a higher level, but that talent must be developed and “unlocked” to help the province “reclaim its lost glory.”

He also pointed to the long-term benefits of sports training, noting that talented athletes can use their skills to qualify for collegiate scholarships and help improve their families’ living conditions.

For Bernos, hosting CARAA holds special significance because he himself experienced competing as a student-athlete in regional meets.

With preparations now underway, DepEd Abra and its partner agencies are continuing consultations to ensure that competition venues meet standards and that athletes and delegations are provided with safe and suitable facilities.

The 2027 CARAA Meet, which will also serve as a qualifying tournament for the Palarong Pambansa, is scheduled for April 9-16, 2027.