Abra province dreams high standing at highland region’s biggest sporting event

La Trinidad, Benguet (February 25, 2025) --Abra province starting in best shape yet, dreams to get a high standing at the Cordillera Regional Athletic Association (CARAA) sports meet starting on Monday here.

“We look forward for more victories in the coming days,” enthused La Paz town Mayor JB Bernos, who together with Rep. Menchie, his wife, and Abra acting governor Russel Bragas, Bernos’ brother-in-law to DSWD Undersecretary Denise, attended last Monday’s CARAA opening rites here.

Abra’s athletes had so far capped 3 golds, 5 silvers and 4 bronzes in various sporting event, placing the province on the fifth spot at the start of the competitions on Monday. “We have a very promising showing this time, considering it was only the first day,” Mayor Bernos, also the national chairman of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) said.

In the 2024 CARAA games, Abra placed fifth, among the 8-member CARAA contingents across the highland Cordillera region.

Over-all medal tally as of Tuesday midafternoon went in favor of defending champion Baguio City with 38 golds, 24 silvers and 20 bronze, while trailing behind it on the second spot is host Benguet province with 14 golds, 20 silvers and 8 bronze. 

Apayao is the third spot with 8 golds, 4 silvers and 11 bronze, while Ifugao trails behind on the fourth rank with 5 golds, 6 silvers and 11 bronzes. On sixth is Tabuk City with 3 gold, 3 silvers and 4 bronze. Kalinga with 2 golds, 7 silvers and 10 bronze on seventh, while Mt. Province, is on eighth in ranking, snatching no gold though it has won 3 silvers and 5 bronze.

“Were raring to at least climb up for a better standing this time,” Mayor Bernos sounded enthusiastic.

Bernos said the Abra provincial government is in full force to support the hundreds of young Abrenian athletes all throughout the games hosted this year by Benguet province at the newly-renovated Benguet Gymnasium and Athletic Complex.