“It’s great to see us all united in roots and strength… hopefully, ag-round ti panag-host iti Prov’l Sports Meet tapnu ti kasta ket ag-level up ti paka-held-an,” BM Kitongan during the Solidarity Meet

Taga, Pinukpuk – Calling for unity and continuous improvement in hosting major sporting events, Education Committee Chairperson and Board Member Emilio Kitongan underscored the importance of rotating the annual Provincial Sports Meet among municipalities during the Solidarity Meeting held at Pinukpuk Vocational School in Taga on January 13, 2026.

The Kalinga Provincial Meet 2026 has gathered more than 3,000 delegates from the province’s seven municipalities—Balbalan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Pinukpuk, Rizal, Tanudan, and Tinglayan—who are set to compete from January 14 to 17, 2026 across various playing venues in the municipality.

Addressing the delegations from the different municipalities, Kitongan said that an alternate hosting arrangement would help elevate the quality and preparedness of host venues while strengthening shared responsibility across the province.

“I would like to thank the host municipality, Pinukpuk, and we are grateful to the people of Kalinga. Hopefully, the hosting of the Sports Meet will rotate among municipalities so that we can level up the quality of our facilities and how the event is conducted. It would be good if this continues to be developed so that all municipalities remain active in hosting,” he said.

In his message, Kitongan emphasized that the event is more than just a competition, describing it as a platform to strengthen unity, discipline, and character development among iKalinga athletes.

He added that education and sports go hand in hand in shaping young people to become responsible and resilient members of society.

“It’s great to see us united by our roots and strength. Education gives us knowledge, teamwork, and opportunities, while sports teach discipline and perseverance. Together, we build a better community and see students break through barriers,” he added.

The board member also recognized the efforts of coaches, teachers, and officials, highlighting their vital role in ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of student-athletes throughout the event.

As preparations for the Provincial Sports Meet 2026 were completed, Kitongan called on all municipalities to support one another despite differences, stressing that collective effort and cooperation will lead to a more successful, inclusive, and inspiring provincial sports event.

The winners of the competition will later compose the Kalinga delegation to the CARAA Meet 2026, which will again be held in Benguet province in the latter part of February.