March 30, 2025 | A total of 6,245 athletes from Caraga represented their respective provinces and cities at the opening of the 2025 Caraga Regional Athletic Games at NACES Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

The host for the 2025 CRAG is Agusan del Norte, led by Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, in collaboration with the municipalities of Buenavista, Nasipit, and Carmen (BUENASCAR).

Nasipit Mayor Hon. Roscoe Democrito B. Plaza warmly welcomed everyone to the opening of the 2025 CRAG. In his message, he thanked the neighboring municipality of Buenavista, led by Mayor Joselito T. Roble, and Carmen Mayor Ramon M. Calo for their support in hosting the event.

DepEd Director IV Mr. Lucio Jesus S. Abalos delivered a message on behalf of Secretary Sonny Anggara. “Caraga is home to amazing athletes. In fact, Agusan del Norte will host the 2026 Palarong Pambansa with 10,000 athletes,” he said. He also added, “Don’t be afraid to try and fall. Sportsmanship matters just as much as victory.”

Cong. Dale B. Corvera congratulated DepEd Regional Director Ms. Maria Ines C. Asuncion for making the event successful. He then shared a message with the athletes: “It’s not about losing the game, but how you play the game.”

Meanwhile, Governor Angel Amante expressed her wishes for the athletes, encouraging them to cherish this experience, as it is something priceless. She said, “Maximize this opportunity because not all young people are given such a chance.”

The crowd went wild when professional volleyball players Eya Laure and Fifi Sharma appeared at the opening of CRAG 2025. The excitement reached new heights when the guest speaker, the first-ever Filipino Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting, Ms. Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, motivated the young athletes to enjoy the game. “Don’t be afraid to fail. Like me, I tried many times, dreamed again, and finally achieved the gold medal,” she said. She further added, “I hope to come back next year for the Palarong Pambansa, and hopefully, we’ll see weightlifting talent from Caraga.”

In closing, Governor Angel Amante, Cong. Dale B. Corvera, RD Maria Ines C. Asuncion, CESO IV, and the mayors of BUENASCAR officially marked the start of the 2025 CRAG with a gong ceremony. The opening ceremony began with their saludo and concluded with a grand fireworks display.