Benguet steps up again as host of 2026 Regional Athletic Meet

Benguet, Philippines – After the successful hosting of the 2025 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Sports Meet, the province of Benguet is once again gearing up to host the regional games this year.

The development was announced by Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas on Monday, January 12.

Abra initially expressed interest in hosting the event but later withdrew its bid, citing the need to upgrade its sports complex.

This will be the third time Benguet will host the regional athletic meet since its debut in 2014.

Last year’s week-long CARAA Meet showcased the renowned warmth and hospitality of the people of Benguet, as its clustered municipalities welcomed more than 6,000 delegates from the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, as well as the cities of Baguio and Tabuk.

This year, Diclas assured the renewed commitment of the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) to ensure that sports facilities, athlete accommodations, event schedules, and other logistical needs are fully prepared for the region’s biggest sporting event.

The PLGU, he said, will coordinate closely with the Department of Education, local municipalities, and private stakeholders to finalize hosting arrangements.

The governor also encouraged support from Southeast Asian (SEA) Games medalists from the province.

Earlier, La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan said the town’s local government has been asked to mobilize security forces and medical responders, as well as to prepare necessary facilities.

He added that the local government is working with the Department of Public Works and Highways to address traffic concerns caused by ongoing roadworks from Kilometer 5 to Kilometer 6.

With preparations underway, officials called for the cooperation of residents and camaraderie among incoming delegates to ensure another successful regional athletic event.