IBA, Zambales, Philippines — After 18 years, this province plays host of the 2012 Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA) Meet which began last Sunday.

Delegates from the seven provinces of Region III braced for five days of competition and camaraderie in sports, said Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.

The governor was joined by Dr. Isabelita Borres, Region III director of the Department of Education (DepEd), in formally opening this year’s athletic meet after Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado of Bulacan, last year’s host, turned over the CLRAA banner to Zambales officials.

More than 9,000 athletes, coaches and trainors from 18 participating school divisions in the region arrived for the event to represent the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales.