𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬, 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘, 𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗥𝟭𝗔𝗔 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

𝗔 𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗖 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧: 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬, 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘, 𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗥𝟭𝗔𝗔 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
For the first time in its history, the City of Candon rises to the occasion as it hosts the prestigious R1AA Meet 2026—transforming a long-held vision into a defining moment of pride, unity, and purpose. At the heart of this milestone is City Mayor Eric D. Singson, whose leadership has not only brought the event to life but has redefined what it means to truly serve and live by example.
Bringing together student-athletes from fourteen Schools Division Offices—SDO Alaminos City, SDO Batac City, SDO Dagupan City, SDOIlocos Norte, SDO Ilocos Sur, SDO Laoag City, SDO La Union, SDO Pangasinan I, SDO Pangasinan II, SDO San Carlos City,SDO San Fernando City, SDO Urdaneta City, SDO Vigan City, and SDO Candon City—the R1AA Meet stands as a celebration of excellence, discipline, and unity. Yet beyond the competition, Candon City offers something deeper: a genuine experience of love and care.
Known and dubbed as the “City of Love and Care,” Candon lives up to its name in ways never seen before in R1AA history. Under the leadership of City Mayor Eric D. Singson, all learner-athletes were provided with free beddings, hygiene kits, a daily supply of 20 gallons of water per delegation, and 15 sacks of 25-kilogram rice per division. These remarkable provisions reflect a leadership rooted not only in organization but in compassion for each partiipant, ensuring that every athlete feels valued, supported, and at home.
The city’s readiness is equally evident in its upgraded facilities, including the newly inaugurated synthetic football field and improved sports venues. From logistics to security, every detail has been carefully planned, with key frontline departments working in full force: the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office led by Engr. Gregorio Novida, the City Health Office under Dr. Joy Villanueva, the City Information and Sports Office headed by Leoncio Balbin Jr., alongside the General Services Office led by Reynaldo Querubin and City Engineering Office led by Engr. Clevenson Maranion.
The opening day set the tone for the week-long event. A grand parade of delegations, led by Mayor Singson together with Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, city officials, and education leaders, marked the formal beginning of the games. As night fell, a spectacular drone show, specially curated for the R1AA Meet 2026 lit up the skies, followed by a breathtaking fireworks display at the southeastern grounds of the Candon City Arena, leaving athletes and spectators in awe.
Throughout the event, Mayor Singson remained hands-on, personally visiting sports venues to ensure the welfare of participants and the smooth conduct of competitions. His presence underscored a leadership style grounded in visibility, commitment, and genuine concern, being the epitome of love and care himself.
In his message, Mayor Singson emphasized that sports go beyond medals and rankings. “Beyond competition, sports instill enduring values—discipline, perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence,” encouraging athletes to compete with honor and give their very best. He warmly welcomed all delegates not just as competitors, but as honored guests and visitors, not just passerby, reminding them that while facilities matter, it is the warmth of the people of Candon that truly defines their stay.
Echoing this vision, PSC Chairman Gregorio inspired the young athletes with a powerful reminder: “Ambition, success, and dreams of the children should not be denied. Sports is good news… One day, we will see Region 1 athletes in the Southeast Asian Games, the Asian Games, and even the Olympics.” His words reinforced the significance of nurturing dreams through opportunities like the R1AA Meet.
More than a sporting event, R1AA Meet 2026 has created a lasting impact across Candon City. Local businesses flourish, tourism thrives, and the community stands united in pride. For many Candonians, this is more than hosting, it is a chance to showcase their culture, their hospitality, and their unwavering spirit.
As the games unfold, one truth becomes clear: Candon City is not just a host—it is a home. A home where athletes are loved and cared for, dreams are nurtured, and excellence is celebrated.
Through the leadership of City Mayor Eric D. Singson, the city has embodied the very essence of its identity. Indeed, in Candon is the City of Love and Care where champions are not only made on the field, but also in character, courage, and compassion.