The Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet 2026 continues to draw strong participation in Baybay City, with organizers reporting more than 6,200 total participants, including student-athletes, coaches, officials, and event volunteers.
Education officials said participation this year slightly exceeded last year’s regional meet, reflecting stronger sports programs and school support across Eastern Visayas.
Based on the latest partial official medal tally released by the technical committee, Ormoc City is leading the overall standings with 38 gold, 25 silver, and 22 bronze medals.
Officials said Ormoc athletes have dominated several sprint and relay events, particularly in the boys’ and girls’ 100-meter and 200-meter races.
Coaches credited intensive preseason conditioning programs and sports science-based training approaches for the strong performance.
Tacloban City remains in second place with 32 gold, 30 silver, and 28 bronze medals.
Tacloban athletes performed strongly in swimming competitions, particularly in freestyle and individual medley events across junior and senior divisions.
Sports officials noted that Tacloban’s consistent swimming program has helped maintain its competitiveness in regional meets for several years.
The Leyte Provincial Division follows in third place with 27 gold, 29 silver, and 31 bronze medals.
Leyte athletes have performed well in field events, particularly in long jump, high jump, and throwing events such as javelin and shot put.
Coaches from the division said access to improved training facilities and stronger local government sports funding helped boost athlete preparation.
The host city has also made its presence felt in the medal standings. Baybay City currently holds 18 gold, 21 silver, and 19 bronze medals, with strong finishes in secondary athletics and selected team sports competitions.
Local athletes said competing in front of hometown supporters provided motivation during close races and matches.
Other participating divisions, including Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Northern Samar, have also secured medals in team sports such as basketball, volleyball, and sepak takraw, as well as in endurance-based athletic events.
Competition officials said medal races remain tight, especially in athletics events that still have several finals scheduled.
City tourism and business sectors continue to benefit from the influx of visitors. Local hotels, transient homes, and food establishments near sports venues reported increased sales and occupancy rates.
Transportation operators also reported higher passenger volumes due to daily movement of athletes and supporters.
Organizers said more medal events are scheduled before the closing ceremonies, and final standings may still change as remaining competitions are completed. Authorities also encouraged the public to continue supporting athletes while maintaining orderly and safe celebrations throughout the duration of the meet.
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