Education Sec. Leonor Briones is expected to grace this year’s Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association Meet from Feb. 27 to March 5.

Apayao is prepared to host the close to 6,000 athletes and coaching staff members, who will take part in the 23 sports disciplines, including three new events – pencak silat, dance sports, and aero gymnastics.

The Caraa Meet 2019 opening program will be held in the morning.

After the opening program, ranking officials of DepEd-Cordillera will escort Briones in visiting some schools in Apayao.

Earlier, Apayao officials led by Gov. Elias Bulut, Jr.; DepEd-Cordillera officials; and representatives of other agencies signed a memorandum of agreement to ensure the successful and peaceful conduct of Caraa Meet 2019.

The MOA provides that DepEd and Apayao will coordinate for the necessary security measures, transportation and communication, and other requirements for the conduct of Caraa, including the playing facilities and billeting quarters for the participating divisions and regional technical officials.

Bulut said his province already arranged the billeting and playing venues, and the main sports complex in Luna where most of the sports events will be held is ready.

Last year, Baguio City led Caraa with 222 gold, 102 silver, and 61 bronze medals followed by Benguet with 38-66-82 medals while Ifugao completed the top three finishers with 36-55-60 medals.