At least 12,000 student athletes from 44 local government units in Cebu Province have gathered for the provincial meet in the City of Naga, Cebu.

The five-day meet began on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

With the extreme heat experienced due to the effects of El Niño, the Department of Education (DepEd) reminded organizers to be mindful always of the dangers this may pose to the athletes, especially those participating in outdoor games.

“I-check gyud, no, if ever, i-monitor gyud ang heat index nga muabot ga gani na’g 33, 34, so naa na gyuy contingency plans, no, so nakabutang na gyud na daan,” said DepEd-7 Director, Dr. Salustiano Jimenez.

Winners of the provincial meet will represent the DepEd provincial division in the regional level in the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA).

The CVIRAA will take place from May to 9, 2024 in Cebu City.

Jimenez said the CVIRAA will serve as a simulation exercise for the Palarong Pambansa, which Cebu City will also host from July 9 to 17, 2024.

Jimenez said preparations for the Palarong Pambansa are ongoing.

“Naa tay timeline nga by this month, all this will be done, and series of coordination with the playing venues, the billeting quarters, and stakeholders,” Jimenez said.