The three-day Cluster 2 Athletic Meet (formerly Area 3 Meet), being hosted by the Municipality of E. B. Magalona, kicked off Wednesday [Jan. 31] at the Public Plaza, and will run until tomorrow [Feb. 2].

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, E. B. Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, and Murcia Mayor Victor Gerardo Rojas led the opening ceremonies, that was attended by student-athletes, athletic managers, sports coordinators, coaches, and school heads from the City of Talisay, Municipalities of Murcia and E. B. Magalona, and Negros Occidental High School (NOHS).

Also gracing the opening ceremonies were Murcia Vice Mayor Johnny Reosura, E. B. Magalona Vice Mayor Eric Matulac and Sangguniang Bayan Members, Talisay City Assistant City Administrator Atty. Ismael Penado, Negros Occidental Schools Division Superintendent Anthony Liobet, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent in-charge of North Negros Julito Felicano, Senior Education Program Specialist in Social Mobilization Nelson Escobin, and public schools district supervisors of the three participating local government units (LGUs), and Fr. Ernie Larida, parish priest of St. Joseph the Worker Parish.

A total of 2,409 student-athletes, assisted by 1,476 technical officials, are currently competing in 24 sports events of Cluster 2 Athletic Meet, with the theme, “Batang Negrosanon, Kampeon Para sa Matatag na Nasyon.”

In his welcome message, Mayor Malacon said, “It is our pride and honor to host this year’s Cluster 2 Athletic Meet and welcome you all to our beloved Municipality of E. B. Magalona.”

“In the same manner, we thank the DepEd, the Congressional Office, and the Provincial Government for your strong support to our LGU as this year’s host of Cluster 2 Athletic Meet, which becomes a wonderful opportunity to showcase the best of E. B. Magalona,” Malacon added.

For his part, Governor Lacson said, “To our young athletes, always remember that sports training is an essential aspect of your development. May your participation in this Cluster Meet instill in you virtues like respect, patience, endurance, dedication, collaboration, the ability to lose gracefully, and the ability to win graciously.”

Lacson thanked and commended Mayor Malacon and the Municipality of E. B. Magalona, including the DepEd District, for hosting the Cluster 2 Athletic Meet this year.*

E. B. MAGALONA PIO