“Cotabato Province Hosts Athletic Meet Amid COVID-19 Alert Level 2 Restrictions”

The Kidapawan City in Cotabato province has recently hosted the Soccsksargen Regional Athletic Association Meet (SRAA) which drew thousands of young campus athletes and their guides. This sports event was held amid strict health protocols as Cotabato province is one of the 26 areas in the country under COVID-19 Alert Level 2 restrictions until April 30. To ensure participants’ safety, the local government of Kidapawan City has implemented technology-aided protocols, such as the Digital Attendance System (DAS) to monitor the movements and whereabouts of athletes, coaches, trainers, delegation officials, and even parents. Additionally, all participants were listed online with their respective personal information collected, and each was assigned a QR code for tracking purposes. Furthermore, hygiene packs containing antibacterial soaps, mosquito lotion repellent, bath towels, and other items were distributed to over 4,000 delegates a day before the start of the competitions. Although the health authorities have reported an increase in new COVID-19 cases in the province, Kidapawan City Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista stated that this year’s SRAA was widely successful and safe for all participants, coaches, and officials.