02/03/2015
Gov. Padilla exalts NV champs
by Jayson S. Delos Santos and Katherine Faith M. Bustos
“Truly, we have proven that we have not settled for anything less, but the best!”
Nueva Vizcaya Governor Ruth R. Padilla saluted the NV delegation for clinching the Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CaVRAA) Meet crown and reaping the Most Eco-Friendly Billeting Quarters Award during the Thanksgiving Party held at Bayombong South Elementary School (BSES), Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, March 1.
Padilla admitted that she was surprised by the twist of events and commended the efforts of all the athletes, coaches, and training staff of the delegation, as well as the combined support of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the division and the NV Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), for seizing the championship trophy after 27 years, and dethroning the giant division of Cagayan in its years of sports dominance. The NV victors garnered at least 116 gold, 88 silvers, and 81 bronzes.
The jubilant governor, stressing the PLGU’s PRAYERS N FAITH platform, promised to provide additional incentives to the athletes and support to year-round sports trainings. She also noted that the rubberized oval in the NV Sports Complex will be pushed through even after the CaVRAA Meet and an Olympic size swimming pool will be built at the Lower Magat Eco Tourism Park in Diadi.
Dr. Benjamin D. Paragas, the outgoing Schools Division Superintendent of the NV DepEd, recapped his acceptance to host this year’s CaVRAA Meet, which challenged the Novo Vizcayanos to plan and make early hosting preparations. He was given recognition for his exemplary services to the province by Padilla, who made negotiations with DepEd’s regional and central offices for Paragas to stay in his concurrent position until the end of the athletic meet.
With the crowd in their ‘yahoo’ cheer, Padilla also welcomed Dr. Samuel R. Soliven, who will serve as OIC-SDS of the NV DepEd starting March 2, 2015.
The festivities included a showcase of singing, dancing, and exhibitions from the athletes and their coaches, as well as members of the PLGU and DepEd.
PHOTO CREDITS: Melanie Villanueva and 'katchapet Maddela Bustos