NEWS

𝑅1𝐴𝐴 2026

𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚. 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳

STA. CRUZ, ILOCOS SUR – Sta. Cruz Central School, Sagat Elementary School, and Sidaoen Elementary School officially welcomed the Schools Division of Ilocos Sur delegates for the weeklong Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet 2026, hosted by SDO Candon City, Sunday, April 5.

The billeting school welcome program began at 3:00PM with a series of patriotic hymns through audio-visual presentation. The event brought together local leaders, basic education officials, coaches and student-athletes to celebrate the start of the region’s biggest sporting event.

𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞

Initially, Dr. Saniata M. Piano, Sta. Cruz District Focal Person, opened the program with warm greetings and words of encouragement. Following her, Dr. Maria Concepcion A. Digay, Education Program Supervisor delivered the opening remarks on behalf of Dr. Gemma Q. Tacuycuy. CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent, SDO Candon City.

The message highlighted a historic ingenuity for R1AA, wherein all athletes received free beddings and hygiene kits. This initiative of Hon. Eric D. Singson, Mayor-Candon City aims to provide the best possible experience for every athlete-participant in DepEd Region 1.

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

Hon. Eric D. Singson, also shared an inspirational message via audio-visual presentation, showcasing the beauty of the city. Further, he encouraged the athletes to enjoy their stay.

"We are honored to host this year’s R1AA. The City of Candon ensures that your stay in the second district of Ilocos Sur is comfortable, safe, and productive. "I enjoin you to marvel at the sceneries and enjoy this worthwhile experience," Mayor Singson expressed.

On the other hand, Hon. Virgilio Valle, Vice Mayor represented his better half Hon. Teresita C. Valle, Mayor- Sta. Cruz emphasized the cooperation between neighboring towns.

"The host is Candon City Division, but why are we here in Sta. Cruz? This proves that the mayors in the Second District of Ilocos Sur always work as one to make the Province of Ilocos Sur endeavors successful," Vice Mayor Valle explained.

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

The program featured a colorful vibrant folk dance of the Balse de Candon, followed by a brief orientation from Ms. Ma. Rowena Octavo, Officer-in-Charge of Sta. Cruz Central School.

Meanwhile, Dr. Philip John Gregory Aldos, SGOD Chief, addressed the crowd on behalf of Dr. Joel B. Lopez, CESO IV, Schools Division Superintendent-SDO Ilocos Sur. He expressed deep gratitude to the host schools, noting that a supportive home ground allows athletes to focus entirely on competition and camaraderie.

"To our billeting school, known as a National Brigada Winner, thank you for opening your doors and your hearts to our team. "We look forward to a week of fair play, friendship, and shared Ilocano pride.,” Dr. Aldos said.

Later in the event, the Mighty Green Stallions moniker was officially presented. An audio-visual presentation explained the symbols and elements of the team identity to the cheering crowd.

The afternoon settled with distribution of welcome treats prepared by SDO Candon City. Notably, school heads and teachers from Parioc Elementary School and Parioc East Elementary Schools attended to support the host division.

-Maria Novena A. Sarmiento & R1AA Media Team