After two days of stiff competitions, Western Visayas athletes made a threatening appearance as they harvested medals in the ongoing 2024 Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City.
The Region 6 delegation ruled the athletics events, recording the team’s first gold medal. Ilonggo jumper Sam Kemjie Bantilo leaped 7.09m in the secondary boys long jump to capture Western Visayas’ first gold medal in this year’s Palaro. The pride of Casimero Andrada National High School in Charles, Iloilo started his sports for two years already.
“Madamo gid nga salamat sa tanan nga naga suporta sa akon. Kay God, sa akon coach, family kag mag migo. Sa akon mga kaupod tani mangin madinalag-on kita tanan,” Bantilo said.
Another Ilonggo gave the region its second gold medal after ruling a sport which is not popular in the country. Showing his mighty grit, Ilonggo Janry Songcayawon showed his mastery after snatching the first gold medal in Bocce Single Male. Songcayawon outmuscled Uwejil Sobrecarey of Region 9, ending the match, 7-1.
Bocce is played between two teams. Each team plays with four bocce balls that are differentiated by color. The goal of the game is to roll your team’s bocce balls closer to the pallino – the smaller target ball–than the other team’s bocce balls.
Beating other sprinters in the country, Josa Bensurto from Carles, Iloilo also won the gold medal after dominating the elementary girls 100-meter hurdle. The Grade 6 pupil of Tabugon Elementary Schools said she’s happy after winning the gold which she dedicated to her parents.
Angel Villagracia also contributed another gold medal after hammering other athletes in the secondary girls hurdle. The Capiz star clocked 15:48 official time to surpass teammate Trexie Jane Willy who settled for a silver medal finish, following a 15:64 time.
“Thank you gid sa tanan nga help sang akon pamilya kag coach kay kung wala sila, indi ko ni makuha,” said the Capiz National High School standout.
Chrispherl Kyle Ngirngir of Iloilo also chipped in a silver medal after a great finish in the long jump elementary boys. The pupil of Kirayan Elementary School in Miagao, Iloilo is also preparing for his running events this week.
In ball games, Anilao, Iloilo-led WV made an emphatic start after blasting CARAGA Region in the elementary boys baseball, 12-0.IMT
