The Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas will ensure that health measures and necessary protocols are observed during the 2023 Western Visayas Regional Athletics Association (WVRAA), where around 6,000 delegates and officials are expected to gather in Aklan province’s Makato town from April 26 to 30.
“Our regional medical officer has been coordinating with medical officers in the divisions. Our health protocol stays,” DepEd Regional Director Ramir Uytico said in a virtual press conference last week.
Uytico said they will consider the possible provision of isolation rooms should there be a delegate who will manifest signs of Covid-19.
It may be a room where participants can also rest when they experience fatigue due to too much heat, taking into account the hot temperature during the event.
Other delegations have requested an additional room in their billeting venue to ensure that physical distancing is maintained, install handwashing facilities and toilets to augment the facilities that have been provided by the host province, and make sure that utensils used by the athletes will not mix.
Uytico said he requested Dr. Amelita Pitalgo, chief of the Education Support Services Division, to coordinate with the host division for the provision of a fast lane to prioritize athletes in case of any emergency.
“Teams have their medical team. They will take charge of all these concerns at their level,” Pitalgo said at the same press conference.
The Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital, the provincial hospital of Aklan, will be providing a special lane for the athletes in case of an emergency.
There will also be a standby ambulance at every event, especially for combative sports.
Face masks will be encouraged for sports held in enclosed spaces.
Pitalgo said there will be 24 sporting events for the secondary level and 15 for the elementary level with over 2,000 medals to be awarded.
Meanwhile, Uytico said the opening program will have a festive pre-pandemic mood showcasing various talents and festivals in Aklan.
Of about 6,000 delegates, 4,587 are athletes, coaches, trainers and chaperones from Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental, while the rest are technical officials. (PNA)