BATANGAS CITY - The Regional Athletic Association Meet (RAAM) 2026 officially opened March 7, highlighting the values of discipline, perseverance, and unity among student-athletes from across Region IV-A CALABARZON.
Undersecretary Atty. Filemon Ray Javier of the Department of Education’s Legal and Legislative Affairs Strand called on young athletes to pursue excellence in sports while upholding character, integrity, and national pride.
A member of the Palarong Pambansa Board and a former student-athlete, Usec Javier reflected on lessons learned through sports and how these experiences shape resilience and leadership. Recalling his training days, he shared an anecdote about how athletes would sometimes ask their coach if a demanding practice session was already over. Their coach would simply reply, “You are only done with the warm-up.”
Through this story, Usec Javier reminded athletes that they are capable of more than they often believe, encouraging them to push beyond their limits and discover their full potential. He emphasized that sports competitions like RAAM are not merely about collecting medals but about learning values that classrooms alone cannot fully teach — discipline, resilience, teamwork, and integrity.
School sports programs, he added, aim not only to produce skilled competitors but also to shape leaders and strengthen character among learners. Citing Filipino volleyball star Alyssa Valdez, who hails from Batangas, he highlighted how dedication and perseverance in sports can inspire communities and bring pride to the nation.
Encouraging athletes to compete with passion and integrity, Usec Javier reminded them to “play with heart.” Crossing the finish line, he said, is not simply the end of a race but proof of the courage and determination to begin and persevere.
Usec Javier also conveyed the message of Department of Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, who described student-athletes as “mga makabagong bayani” — modern-day heroes who strive to bring honor and pride to the country.
In the Secretary’s message, RAAM was described as a celebration of talent, discipline, and sportsmanship, highlighting the important role of athletics in shaping well-rounded learners. Secretary Angara underscored that sports programs in schools help develop not only athletic excellence but also character, teamwork, and perseverance among Filipino youth.
The message reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to strengthening sports development programs as part of DepEd’s broader mission of holistic learner development and nation-building.
Ultimately, the RAAM 2026 opening program highlighted a shared vision: that sports in education go beyond competition, serving as a platform for nurturing disciplined learners, inspiring leaders, and building a stronger nation.
(MJDPatiño)
All content is in the public domain unless otherwise stated.
Learn more about the Philippine government, its structure, how government works and the people behind it.
Copyright © 2020 Department of Education DIVISION OF QUEZON
Template Designed: GOVPH | Developed and maintained by Rommel Oczon
