‘As the defending champion, win or lose, we must accept… to all the athletes of Rizal, good luck,’ – DSC Randy Wacas on Rizal’s as defending champion

Taga, Pinukpuk – With confidence toughened by unity and sportsmanship, District Sports Coordinator (DSC ) Randy Wacas rallied the Rizalian athletes as they pushed through every competition in the ongoing four-day Provincial Meet 2026 in Pinukpuk, urging them to give their best and defend the municipality’s title as the reigning champion.

As the second day of the province-wide event concluded on January 15, Rizal emerged as the leading municipality in the medal tally—only one medal ahead of Balbalan—underscoring its bid to retain the overall champion title.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Wacas emphasized that while the goal is to retain the championship title, athletes must be prepared to accept the outcome of every competition.

“As the defending champion, win or lose, we must accept. To all the athletes of Rizal, good luck and we have to defend our title as the champion last Provincial meet. Itultuloy tayo latta ng agtrabaho, nangnangruna launay, in everything nga aramiden tayo ket agkararag tayo latta, tapnu ti kasta ket i-grant ti Apo ti amin nga kiddaw tayo. In case man nga maabak, kasapulan nga ag-exert tayo more effort and training para ti sumaruno pay nga pagay-ayaman tapnu ti kasta ket nu talaga nga ma-dependaran tayo ti defending champion title,” he said.

Even if Rizal falls short of reclaiming the title this year, Wacas said there will always be opportunities to come, saying, “… ket nu man haan tayo (Rizalians) magun-od tatta ket anya ngay garud. Addan tu pay umay manin nga Provincial Meet—nu man haan tayo nga gasat tatta nga tawen.”

When asked if the municipality would be given the challenge to host the next Provincial Meet, he expressed readiness should Rizal be chosen as the next host municipality, noting that the Rizal LGU, under the leadership of Mayor Karl Baac, is always prepare to take on challenges and organize major events.

“It’s a privilege nu ited na kadatayo ti challenge as the next host municipality ket Rizalians are ready to accept the challenge kasi our Rizal LGU headed by our Mayor Karl Baac—our municipality is kanayon met nga ready ti anya man nga maipay ken maisayangkat nga activities,” Wacas added.

Wacas concluded by reminding all athletes, particularly the youth, that beyond medals and rankings, they represent one family and one municipality, especially for the coming CARAA Meet.