BUTUAN CITY – The Caraga Region significantly improved its performance and overall standing in the recent Palarong Pambansa 2025 held in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, compared to its showing in Cebu province last year.
This year, the region bagged 21 gold, 20 silver and 43 bronze medals to finish eighth overall. In 2024, it placed 12th with 11-13-24.
“This dramatic increase in medals is a direct result of intensified training programs, which were significantly bolstered by the robust support of local government units across the region,” the Department of Education in Caraga Region (DepEd-13) said in a statement on Monday.
The agency said officials, schools, and community sports clubs made substantial contributions to the athletes’ preparations by providing essential resources, morale boost and opportunities to hone their competitive skills.
Among the celebrated victories for Caraga athletes was the gold medal secured by the sepak takraw team (secondary girls) from Jacinto Elpa National High School in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, beating Mimaropa.
The National Capital Region emerged overall champion for the 18th straight year with an impressive 117 gold, 70 silver and 50 bronze medals. The gold medal haul included 36 in gymnastics and 19 in swimming, courtesy of Titus Rafael Sia and Sophia Rose Garra, who won seven each in the elementary division, and Patricia Mae Santor, who had five in the secondary division.
Calabarzon placed second overall with 47 golds, highlighted by strong showings in chess (12 golds) and swimming (11), along with 68 silvers and 66 bronzes. Western Visayas secured third place with 44 golds, bolstered by championships in the elementary girls’ softball and secondary boys’ baseball.
Caraga’s Agusan del Sur will host next year’s multi-event for grade school and secondary athletes. (PNA)