SunStar Davao has been officially re-endorsed as the media partner for the upcoming 2026 Davao Regional Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet, scheduled from February 22 to 28 in Davao del Norte. This endorsement, formalized by Department of Education (DepEd) Davao Region Director Allan G. Farnazo on January 28, 2026, solidifies the publication's role in covering one of the region's premier youth sporting events.
Partnership Details and Coverage Scope
The endorsement authorizes SunStar Davao to provide extensive coverage across multiple platforms, including print, digital, and social media. Additionally, it grants the media outlet permission to seek sponsorships to fund its reporting efforts during the six-day meet. This partnership builds on a successful collaboration that began at the 2024 Davraa Meet in Davao City and continued through the 2025 regional games in Tagum City.
Theme and Event Overview
Under the theme "Learn, Compete, Rise: Building Future-Ready Champions," the 2026 Davraa Meet is expected to attract thousands of elementary and secondary athletes, along with coaches and officials, from 11 delegations across the Davao Region. The event serves as a crucial preparatory stage for the Palarong Pambansa 2026, which will be hosted by Agusan del Sur in May.
Statements from Key Figures
SunStar Davao manager Donna Cuyos expressed gratitude for the renewed trust, stating, "We are thankful to RD Farnazo for his trust and support. We look forward to covering the 2026 Davraa Meet and sharing the inspiring stories of our young athletes with the community." Officials from DepEd-Davao Region emphasized that this partnership aims to document not only competition results but also the narratives of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship that characterize the annual meet.
Preparations and Participant Numbers
Organizers have projected that nearly 6,000 student-athletes, supported by over 1,100 coaches and chaperones, will converge in Tagum City for the event. Competitions will be centered at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex. With the opening ceremonies just three weeks away, most of the region's 11 DepEd divisions have completed their local eliminations, shifting focus from selection to final preparations.
Regional Training Initiatives
In host Davao del Norte, the Pioneers delegation is set to hold its 2026 Division Meet from February 2 to 5, offering athletes a final tune-up on home ground. Meanwhile, other regions have entered intensive training phases. For instance, in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, the Golden Thunderbolts delegation commenced in-house training on January 29, launching a three-week program designed to enhance athletic performance and team discipline.
Training Program Leadership
The training program in Davao de Oro is overseen by School Division Superintendent Phoebe Gay L. Refamonte, with Ruben J. Reponte, chief of the Schools Governance and Operations Division, serving as training director. Division Sports Coordinator Allan Guerta provides additional support. DepEd Davao de Oro described the atmosphere as energetic, with young athletes engaging in daily sessions that combine physical conditioning, technical drills, mental preparation, and strategic work.
This renewed media partnership underscores the commitment to promoting youth sports and community engagement in the Davao Region, setting the stage for a successful and well-documented 2026 Davraa Meet.
