MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Department of Education (DepEd) Bukidnon Schools Division and the provincial government are coordinating preparations for Bukidnon’s hosting of the Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA) Meet, scheduled for the first time from March 18 to 24, 2026

The regional meet is expected to draw thousands of student-athletes, coaches, and officials. As host, the province will oversee competition venues, billeting, transport, and safety services, while coordinating with schools, local government units, and security agencies.

Gov. Rogelio Neil P. Roque issued Executive Order No. 70 to organize preparations, creating a technical working group and committees tasked with venue upgrades, athlete transport and billeting, security and medical services, and public information.

DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Victoria V. Gazo and Board Member Minerva C. Casinabe, chair of the education committee, led the technical working group’s initial meeting to set timelines, assign responsibilities, and establish standards for venue readiness and athlete services.

Casinabe said the provincial government is supporting DepEd by mobilizing local government units and coordinating with health and security agencies.

DepEd and the provincial government noted that preparations are based on shared responsibilities, with the province focusing on logistics and inter-agency coordination, while DepEd leads competition planning and school readiness.

Gazo said DepEd is prioritizing athlete safety, fair competition, and school readiness by coordinating with local governments and health offices to ensure venues meet standards.

“This is about giving our student-athletes a safe and well-managed platform to compete and grow through sports,” Gazo said.

Gazo added that the NMRAA Meet serves as the qualifying tournament for DepEd’s annual Palarong Pambansa, where top athletes advance to national competition.

She noted that hosting the meet also allows Bukidnon-based athletes to compete on home ground. (BGE/PIA-10/Bukidnon)