19th CRAM throws Opening Program

Butuan City – The formation and march of Grand Parade officially opens the 19th Caraga Reginal Athletic Meet (CRAM) at 3 o’clock in the afternoon on February 4, 2016 which started from Butuan City Medical Center (BCMC) up to the playground of Polysports Complex, Brgy. Tiniwisan, Butuan City. An actual attendance of 6,753 delegates comprised the official athletes, coaches, and chaperons representing the 12 Divisions Offices of Caraga Region participated it with expression on their faces of joy and pride. The 19th CRAM is conducted by Department of Education-Caraga Administrative Region through the leadership of Dr. May B. Eclar, CESO V and Dr. Ramir B. Uytico, CESO IV while Division Office of Butuan City headed by SDS Arsenio Cornites, CESO V in cooperation with the Local Government of Butuan City headed by Hon. Mayor Jun Amante served as the host offices. The opening program was highlighted by “Saludo March”. Each delegation is required to perform their “Saludo March” in-front of the stage of the ground when their turn was called. The Saludo March is not just a mere exhibition it being required to perform as one special competition. It draws a large crowd of spectators comprising the parents and relatives of the athletes, media practitioners, and visitors purposely to witness the said opening of 19th CRAM. Honorable Alfredo Vargas, Congressman, 1st District of Quezon City graced the occasion and attended the opening program for and in behalf of DILG Secretary Honorable Mel Senen Sarmiento. Some of the Local Officials coming from the City Government of Butuan were also around to show their support pushing the success of the said activity. Dr. Eclar upon delivering her message emphasized certain point and gladly said, “Sa anim na araw, tayo ay magtatanim sa mga isip ng mga bata na pagsasalamuhan tungo sa kapayapaan, pagkakaisa, at kaunlaran (Within six days, we will sow seeds and plant them into the mind of the children towards peace, unity, and progress).” In other words, the athletes were encouraged to consider themselves joining the games not a competitor but an opportunity to showcase each respective skill as a gift from God to establish tight camaraderie and win friends. During the Solidarity meeting held in the morning of February 4, 2016, Dr. Uytico stressed out that the success of the 19th CRAM purely dependent upon the cooperation from all official delegates of 12 Divisions Offices. He intensifies this point by sharing the common accepted principle to lean on that goes, No man is an island. “The unfolding of the theme commences its realization today. We will make or unmake the activity, he added.” Meanwhile, the conduct of 19th CRAM brings not only significance to the fate of the children but it likewise ready to touch the lives of the people and community as a whole. Though the children were allowed to leave their classes in order to attend the activity but it nevertheless opens an opportunity to carry them into the national scenario. When the opening program about to end, the Division of Butuan City was declared as the winner for the Saludo March Competition.

By: Elizalde G. Bernales
Regional Information Officer