EVRAA 2026 Puts Baybay City in the Spotlight as Emerging Sports Tourism Hub

Posted on Mar. 11, 2026 at 7:58 pm

BAYBAY CITY — Baybay City has solidified its status as a rising sports tourism hotspot by successfully hosting the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet 2026 on March 1-7.

The event brought together around 10,000 athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators from across Eastern Visayas to the city.

In an exclusive interview with Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos L. Cari on March 6, he shared his delight at the seamless execution of the regional sporting extravaganza, attributing its success to months of meticulous planning and collaboration among various government entities and community partners.

The week-long competition, which kicked off on March 1, saw 13 delegations from Eastern Visayas converging in Baybay City, transforming it into a bustling hub of sports and tourism activities. Despite minor hiccups like transformer mishaps, swiftly resolved without major disruptions, the overall event flow was commendable thanks to the close coordination between regional education authorities, the local Schools Division Office, and the city government.

“Naging maayos naman ang takbo ng lahat. Ang mga playing venues maayos na, at ang mga billeting areas sa mga eskwelahan okay na din. Maayos lahat na paghahanda para maganda ang Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic ngayong taong 2026,” the mayor said.

Challenges posed by inclement weather were met with resilience as continuous rains threatened construction timelines for temporary facilities at playing venues.  However, the city officials’ dedication ensured all necessary preparations were completed before the grand opening. Funding for the event was sourced from various channels, including national, city and provincial government allocations, making it challenging to pinpoint the total cost.

The newly unveiled Baybayon Sports Complex a visually captivating venue, stood out as a highlight of the event, designed to be Instagram-worthy.

“Sinadya naming ganun yung design na maging Instagrammable na structure. Ang Baybay ay may mga attraction na puwedeng puntahan ng mga bisita, at isa na ang Baybayon Sports Complex,” Cari said.

Beyond the athletic showdown, the city leveraged the EVRAA Meet to showcase its tourist attractions to visitors from across Eastern Visayas, with many exploring not just the sports venues but also nearby scenic spots.

Safety and well-being were paramount, with a multi-agency security setup involving the police, fire department, coast guard, and army ensuring a secure environment.  Medical contingencies were also in place, with health authorities and hospitals on standby for any emergencies.  

Baybay City fielded its own delegation for the games, with athletes receiving support from the City Schools Division Office and the city government, including uniforms, nutrition, and incentives for gold medalists.

Preparations for the regional event began early last year, with construction work continuing despite weather challenges to ensure completion before the opening.

“Natapos naman na lahat bago nag-March 1. May maliliit na issue at hindi pa nakikicooperate ang weather, kaya nag-overtime ang mga workers hanggang substantial completion,” Cari said.

The successful hosting of EVRAA 2026 not only showcased the athletic prowess of Eastern Visayas’ youth but also underscored Baybay City’s potential as a sports tourism destination for major events. — Rodalyn Silva, NWSSU, DEVCom Intern

(Photo by: The Vanguard)