Serving as host for the 2025 regional sports meet is a boon for business and tourism industries in Antique, according to Governor Rhodora Cadiao on Wednesday.

In an interview, Cadiao said hotels and lodging houses in the province’s capital town are fully booked for the upcoming Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) meet from March 1 to 8.

“We have to support the WVRAA and brag about our province,” she said.

Cadiao said that based on initial information, around 2,000 athletic delegations from the provinces in Western Visayas will start arriving in Antique next week.

In addition to joining sports events, guests and officials are expected to visit various destinations, including the highlands of Aningalan in San Remigio for its cool climate, Madja-as Park in Culasi for its themed attractions and exciting rides, and the Calawag Mountain Resort in Tibiao for its fish spa and “kawa” or large woks hot bath.

Cadiao added the preparations of the playing venues in the towns of San Jose de Buenavista, Sibalom, Belison, and Hamtic are almost finished, except for the rubberized oval track since the imported rubber only arrived Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Antique Superintendent Dr. Nicasio Frio said education leaders are currently in the province to discuss preparations for the WVRAA.

“The regional convergence is attended by the different division superintendents who will have a meeting with the regional sports council to finalize the preparations and tackle other concerns,” Frio said.

He said the superintendents, with their sports coordinators, will also visit the playing venues and billeting schools to check on the preparations. (PNA)