Baybay City officially welcomed nearly 10,000 delegates to the 2026 Eastern Visayas Regional Athletics Association (EVRAA) Meet, showcasing its newly completed sports facilities during the opening ceremonies on Sunday night.

Mayor Jose Carlos Cari highlighted the city’s pride and preparedness, emphasizing the completion of the Binaybayon Sports Complex located in Barangay Hibunawan.

The facility includes a modern convention center and Olympic-size swimming pool, making it a world-class venue for major sporting events. Its Roman Colosseum-inspired main grandstand is set against Mount Pangasugan and the Leyte mountain range.

“For the last four months, the weather was not cooperating, but despite the challenges, we were able to deliver on time and substantially complete the sports complex for our EVRAA hosting,” Cari said during a press briefing.

Following the regional meet, the city expects the complex to attract additional sporting events and boost tourism in the area.

The local and national government invested PHP400 million to develop the complex, including the PHP100 million allocated by the Department of Public Works and Highways in 2019.

“We are not only highlighting Baybay City’s new sports facilities but also the beautiful views and destinations that visitors can explore,” Cari added.

Among the city’s attractions are Lintaon Peak, known for its sea of clouds; the 16,000 Blossoms; pilgrimage sites such as Pomponan Church and Punta Church; Villa Solidaridad; and the city’s boardwalk, where visitors can enjoy local barbecue delicacies.

The mayor expressed gratitude to the Leyte provincial government, the Baybay City Council, the Department of Education, and Leyte 5th District Representative Carl Nicolas Cari for ensuring the availability of funds to complete the Binaybayon Sports Complex.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, the guest speaker at the EVRAA 2026 opening, underscored the transformative power of sports in shaping discipline, leadership, and resilience among the youth.

“Sports teach us lessons that go far beyond medals and trophies. They instill discipline, teamwork, humility in victory, and grace in defeat,” Baricuatro said.

In his message, DepEd Eastern Visayas Regional Director Ronelo Firmo underscored camaraderie, respect, and excellence as guiding principles throughout the games.

He encouraged athletes to give their best in every event while upholding integrity and sportsmanship.

Firmo acknowledged the support from local government units across Eastern Visayas for the 13 delegations, noting that their commitment is crucial to nurturing young sporting talent in the region.

A total of 7,992 athletes from 13 delegations across Eastern Visayas are competing in various sporting events from March 1 to 7, 2026. (PNA)