Student-athletes from Western Visayas are making a threatening appearance in the ongoing Palarong Pambansa 2026 after snatching medals in Agusan del Sur.
Jhon Del Rosario from Aklan gave Region IV its first gold medal after topping the secondary boys 400-meter dash event held at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Sports Complex. The mainstay of Numancia Integrated School marked a strong start for the WVRAA team as they battle for different sporting games.
Meanwhile, three athletes from the Province of Iloilo achieved podium finishes in their respective events.
Princess Elijah Casas clinched the gold medal in the secondary division of Muay Thai, while Narish Alimodian secured silver in athletics. Faith Argenal, moreover, earned a bronze medal in the secondary division of chess.
Two elementary powerhouses from the island municipality of Caluya, Antique also proved their might on the national stage, securing top podium finishes in the track and field events.
Thirteen-year-old Khent Joseph D. Belarmino of Semirara Elementary School dominated the elementary boys’ shot put division. He launched a powerful 12.64-meter throw to claim the coveted Gold Medal.
Joining the medal haul, 12-year-old Jeza Mae Eulogio from Villaresis Elementary School delivered a spectacular performance in the elementary girls’ javelin throw. Eulogio cleared an impressive 43.29 meters to secure the Silver Medal for her home province.
Both athletes hail from the island of Semirara in Caluya. Their twin victories highlight the growing grassroots sports program in the northernmost islands of the province, proving that distance is no barrier to achieving national athletic excellence.
The government, for the first time, will provide incentives to medalists of the Palarong Pambansa and Para Games in recognition of their skills, dedication, and sacrifices.
Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr., who represented President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the opening of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, emphasized the role of sports in building discipline, teamwork, respect, and resilience among Filipino youth.
The government said it will continue strengthening grassroots sports development through school sports clubs, provision of sports equipment, training support for young athletes, and programs that recognize their achievements.
More than 10,000 student-athletes from different regions, including the National Academy of Sports and Philippine schools overseas, are competing in the event.IMT Sports
