MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The playing fields are being readied, billeting quarters checked, and final coordination meetings lined up as Bukidnon moves closer to hosting this year’s Northern Mindanao Regional Athletics Association (NMRAA) Meet, set to kick off on March 18 in Malaybalay City

With weeks to go before the opening program, preparations for the Athletic Meet on March 18–24 are nearly complete, according to Schools Division Superintendent Victoria Gazo of the Department of Education in Bukidnon.

Behind the scenes, she said, a dedicated Technical Working Group (TWG) has been working in full coordination, meeting regularly, monitoring committee outputs, and aligning with partner agencies to ensure that every detail of the regional sports event falls into place.

“So far, by our metrics, we are already at 80 percent in terms of preparation. Our TWG continuously meets, and we receive regular updates from concerned offices and agencies,” Gazo said.

She said only two meetings remain before the opening of the games, indicating that final adjustments are in progress. “Most committees have addressed key responsibilities, including venues and logistics,” she added.

A world-class aquatic venue is ready

One of the primary concerns during the planning stage—the availability of a standard swimming facility—has been resolved with the completion of a high-spec aquatic complex.

Gazo confirmed that the province’s Aquatic Center is ready to host swimming competitions. The facility features an Olympic-size swimming and diving pool with 10 lanes measuring 50 meters by 25 meters, built to meet international standards.

The sports complex features a 1,024-seat gallery, locker rooms, and support facilities, qualifying the venue for both regional competitions and high-level training.

The completion of the swimming facility anchors Bukidnon’s preparations, strengthening its capability to host large-scale sporting events.

Preparing for the influx

While venues are nearly set, organizers are also focusing on the comfort and welfare of the expected 9,000 to 10,000 athletes, coaches, and officials who will arrive for the week-long competition.

Gazo stated that while ensuring a stable water supply for thousands of delegates was a key requirement, billeting teams have moved into the final stages of resource deployment.

Given the surge in demand, billeting teams are prioritizing water and sanitation to ensure safe, clean, and conducive quarters for the duration of the games.

“As final preparations move forward, Bukidnon is not only preparing to host a regional sporting event. It is preparing to welcome Northern Mindanao’s young athletes with facilities, organization, and hospitality that reflect the province’s commitment to excellence in sports and youth development,” the schools division superintendent said. (BGE/PIA-10/Bukidnon)