The sporting spirit of Davao City ignites as the Davao City Athletic Association (DCAA) Meet 2025 officially opens its gates on Friday, November 14, at the Davao City National High School grounds. This prestigious event serves as the primary battleground for nearly 3,200 student-athletes vying for glory and a ticket to higher-level competitions.
A Springboard for Regional and National Glory
According to Department of Education (DepEd) Davao City sports coordinator Deony Ferolino, the DCAA Meet is more than just a local event; it is the crucial qualifying stage for the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet 2025, scheduled for February 22-28, 2026, in Davao del Norte. Ferolino, in an interview, set an ambitious target for the city's contingent: at least 200 gold medals in the regional meet, building on their 197-gold haul from the previous year.
The ambitions extend to the national stage. For the Palarong Pambansa 2026, Davao City aims to significantly boost its gold medal count from 25 to 40, a leap intended to propel the region's overall ranking from fourth to a coveted third place. "We're hoping our athletes can make that leap," Ferolino stated, expressing confidence in the city's budding talents.
Grand Opening Ceremonies and Star-Studded Cast
The opening ceremony, commencing at 2:30 p.m., promises a vibrant spectacle. It will feature a parade of delegates and athletic banners, energized by a live performance from Magister Vois. The DCNHS Centennial Choir will provide the musical backbone for the event, rendering the Philippine National Anthem and local hymns.
Key highlights of the program include the hoisting of the DCAA banner, a keynote address, and the oath of sportsmanship administered by Ariane Kaye Parami, a gold medalist from the Palarong Pambansa 2025. The Friendship Cauldron will be lit by a group of top-performing athletes, including Alexander James Catarinen, Aethan Razy Fujita, Miguelito A. Bantilan, and Rene Clert Baterbonia, symbolizing the unity and competitive fire of the games.
Expanding Sports Horizons
This year's city eliminations will showcase a diverse range of 28 sports and para games. In an exciting development, weightlifting has been introduced as a demonstration sport, broadening the athletic opportunities for participants. The ever-popular sport of archery, a consistent medal-earner for Davao, is also among the featured events, raising expectations for strong performances in the upcoming Davraa and Palaro meets.
While the final tally of athletes is still being confirmed as some schools submitted their papers on the eve of the event, the stage is set for a thrilling competition. The event will conclude with a performance by the DCNHS Cheering Squad, capping off the celebratory opening of what promises to be a fiercely contested and inspiring athletic meet.
