The province of Laguna, headed by Gov. Teresita “Ningning” S. Lazaro, once again geared up for the 2006 Southern Tagalog CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) Athletic Association or STCAA Meet that was formally opened last April 03 at Dasmariñas National High School, Dasmariñas, Cavite.

     This weeklong annual sports event, which was formerly known as Southern Tagalog Regional Athletic Association or STRAA Meet, includes more than 6,000 delegates from 14 other local government units (LGUs) in the CALABARZON Area composing the Southern Tagalog – Region IV-A provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon and the cities of Antipolo, Sta. Rosa, Calamba, San Pablo, Batangas, Lipa, Tanauan, Lucena, and Cavite.

     The ceremonial opening was lead by Department of Education (DepEd)-Office of the Undersecretary for Legal Affairs OIC Atty. Camilo Miguel M. Montesa, DepEd Region IV-A Director IV Dr. Gearge R. Garma, Region IV-A Director III Dr. Josefina G. Tamondong, DepEd-Cavite Division Superintendent Dr. Nelda G. Dator, Gov. Lazaro and Vice-Gov. Edwin Olivarez with members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Laguna, Cavite Gov. Ayong Maliksi with other local officials, and the other DepEd Division Superintendent from the participating LGUs.

     Last year, Laguna bested the STRAA (CALABARZON) Meet 2005 as the 7-time Sports Champion held at Alcala Sports Complex, Quezon National High School, Iyam, Lucena City. It was the seventh year in a row that Laguna bagged the top place over 12 other local government units (LGUs) in the CALABARZON area. This awe-inspiring achievement, the envy of every LGU in the CALABARZON region, placed Laguna on top of the pedestal since no province in the region’s history has accomplished what Laguna have attained. Sports has been one of the priority programs of the Laguna Provincial Government,

     In an interview, Gov. Lazaro stressed that the Provincial Government is determined to further push its Sulong Edukasyon at Isports program under the flagship 7-Point Agenda. “Indeed the province of Laguna reigns supreme in the field of sports. Let us continue to intensify our efforts and work together for a better Laguna and for a better nation. KAYANG-KAYANG ‘PAG SAMA-SAMA,” she also said. # (PIO-Laguna)