Baybay City, Leyte, officially opened the state-of-the-art Binaybayon Sports Complex this month, welcoming thousands of young athletes and delegates for the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet 2026. The new 10.5-hectare facility, a testament to significant investment and meticulous planning, served as the primary venue for the week-long regional competition, positioning the city as a burgeoning hub for sports and development in Eastern Visayas.
This monumental unveiling and successful hosting marked Baybay City’s re-emergence on the regional stage, more than a decade after it last embraced such a prominent role. The Binaybayon Sports Complex and the accompanying EVRAA Meet represent a strategic effort by local and national governments to foster athletic excellence, stimulate the local economy, and elevate Baybay City's profile as a premier destination for both sports and tourism, affecting nearly 8,000 athletes and an estimated 10,000 delegates.
The centerpiece of the newly inaugurated complex is an Olympic-size rubberized track oval and a full-sized football field, meticulously designed to meet international standards. Adorning this central arena is a main grandstand, whose architectural inspiration draws from the iconic Roman Colosseum, offering a distinctive backdrop against the panoramic views of Mount Pangasugan and the surrounding Leyte mountain range. Complementing these outdoor facilities, the complex also features an Olympic-size swimming pool within its Aquatic Center, alongside the expansive 7,589-square-meter Binaybayon Convention Center, which hosted the event’s opening and closing ceremonies with thousands in attendance.
From March 1 to 7, the EVRAA Meet transformed Baybay City into a vibrant sports capital. Nearly 8,000 athletes from 13 different divisions across Eastern Visayas converged, participating in various disciplines and infusing the city with an energy rarely seen. The sheer scale of preparations, spearheaded by the local government, left a profound impression on the visiting delegations and participants, signifying a renewed commitment to hosting major athletic gatherings.
City Mayor Jose Carlos Cari, a key figure in the complex's realization, articulated the city's immense pride and readiness. "Without the medals being tallied yet, Baybay City has already won," Mayor Cari declared at the event's commencement. His statement encapsulated the dual objectives of the initiative: to provide an exceptional platform for young athletes to compete and to spotlight Baybay City as an emerging economic and tourism destination, showcasing its attractions beyond the sports venues.
The path to completing the Binaybayon Sports Complex presented its share of difficulties. Mayor Cari acknowledged that the construction faced uncooperative weather conditions for four consecutive months leading up to the EVRAA Meet. Despite these environmental challenges, the city administration, through determination and concerted effort, managed to deliver the complex substantially complete and on schedule for the regional competition, demonstrating significant local government resilience.
The total investment in the Binaybayon Complex amounted to a substantial PHP 400 million, a collaborative funding effort between local and national government agencies. A considerable portion of this investment, PHP 100 million, was allocated by the Department of Public Works and Highways as early as 2019, indicating a long-term strategic commitment to upgrading Baybay City’s infrastructure. This substantial financial backing underscores a broader vision to develop Baybay City into a regional hub capable of hosting not only regional, but potentially national and international, competitions in the future.
Beyond the competitive fields, the EVRAA Meet served a larger purpose, as explained by Department of Education-8 Regional Director Ronelo Al K. Firmo. Director Firmo emphasized that the annual regional meet transcends mere competition, functioning as a vital platform for unity and the holistic development of young athletes. He commended the Baybay City government for its "well-prepared" hosting, highlighting the city’s hospitality and the strong partnership with the Baybay City Division that ensured the smooth execution of the games.
The economic ripple effect generated by hosting such a large-scale event was immediately apparent throughout Baybay City. Local businesses, encompassing hotels, restaurants, transport operators, and various retail shops, reported a significant surge in activity and sales. The City Tourism Office estimated that the EVRAA Meet injected millions of pesos into the local economy, providing a much-needed boost to micro, small, and medium enterprises within the city. This economic revitalization aligns with Baybay City's ongoing rapid expansion and modernization efforts, which include an expanded seaside boulevard, a new boardwalk, and its recently constructed New City Hall.
Distinguished guests at the opening ceremony reinforced the profound impact of sports beyond the arenas. Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro, serving as the guest of honor, passionately called for a united Visayas region. "While I come from Central Visayas, I stand here as a testimony that we are not divided by regions or seas. We are united Visayas, and more importantly, united Philippines. Supporting our young athletes wherever they come from means supporting the future of our nation," Governor Baricuatro stated, her words resonating with the spirit of camaraderie and national pride prevalent throughout the event. Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla also championed unity, describing EVRAA 2026 as a powerful "celebration of unity" for the entire region.
The newly unveiled sports complex is more than a collection of impressive structures; it embodies Baybay City’s aspirations. Officials express hope that the complex will not only hone the skills of local athletes but also attract further investments and accelerate economic growth across the city. Baybay City has concurrently highlighted its diverse tourist destinations, such as Lintaon Peak with its stunning "sea of clouds" and 16,000 Blossoms, historical pilgrimage sites like Pomponan Church and Punta Church, and its vibrant boardwalk known for local barbecue delicacies, aiming to entice visitors to explore beyond the sporting venues.
Baybay City’s successful hosting of the EVRAA Meet, powered by the Binaybayon Sports Complex, marks a significant milestone in its journey toward becoming a prominent regional center. As the echoes of cheering crowds gradually fade and the regional meet concludes, the new complex stands as a beacon of progress and a tangible testament to the city's vision, poised to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of Eastern Visayas and inspire future generations of athletes and residents.