Bicol bags 2 golds in 2025 ‘Palaro’

By Rhaydz Barcia

Legazpi City --- The Bicol Region has bagged two gold medals in the ongoing 2025 Palarong Pambansa, which runs from May 24 to 31 in Ilocos Norte.

The region’s first gold was clinched by three-time medalist Courtney Jewel Trangia, a Grade 12 student of Masbate Sports Academy in Masbate City. Trangia topped the secondary girls’ discus throw event with a 36.75-meter throw in her final attempt, held at the Ferdinand Marcos Memorial Stadium, according to DepEd Bicol spokesperson Mayflor Jumamil.

Trangia, proudly representing Masbate, secured Bicol’s first gold by dominating the final round of the event.

The second gold medal was earned by Philip Anthony A. Crisponde, a 16-year-old student-athlete from Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School (MORMS), Albay Division. He triumphed in the highly competitive Arnis Individual Single Weapon event held on May 26.

Guided by his dedicated coach Lowiedel D. Giangan, Philip showcased exceptional skill and determination, bringing pride to the Bicol Vulcans delegation, Jumamil said.

Albay Governor Baby Glenda Ong-Bongao announced that the provincial government has allocated cash incentives for medalists: ₱15,000 for gold, ₱10,000 for silver, and ₱5,000 for bronze winners. She personally joined the Albay delegates to show support and boost the athletes’ morale.

“Proud to have witnessed our Region V – Bicol delegates, especially our very own Albay athletes, march with determination and pride during the grand opening of Palarong Pambansa 2025 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte,” Ong-Bongao said.

Jumamil also reported that the Bicol Region Athletic Association (BRAA) team started strong in men’s basketball, securing their first win against the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) with a commanding 61–40 victory.

“After a tightly contested first half, BRAA surged ahead in the fourth quarter with dominant plays and excellent team coordination. This opening win builds momentum as the team prepares for a high-stakes match against the National Capital Region (NCR),” Jumamil added.

The BRAA delegation, composed of 595 athletes and 144 coaches, arrived in Ilocos Norte on May 19. They are currently billeted at Pasil Elementary School, Nagbacalan Elementary School, and Paoay Lake National High School. Athletes train daily to maintain peak condition throughout the week-long national competition.

DepEd Bicol Regional Director Gilbert T. Sadsad is in Laoag to monitor and support the team. He expressed optimism for a stronger performance this year, citing the athletes’ excellent conditioning and the unwavering support from stakeholders. He also thanked BRAA for their dedication in preparing the delegation.

Regional sports officer Dexter Sison shared that athletes underwent intensive training at Albay Central School before leaving for Laoag. The training not only enhanced individual skills but also fostered unity and teamwork among participants from various school divisions.

Last year, Bicol placed 10th in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa held in Cebu, and 6th in the 2023 edition in Marikina. The region also received special awards, including Cleanest, Greenest and Most Eco-Friendly Delegation and PINAKA-MATATAG Delegation.

Undersecretary Malcolm Garma announced that this year’s games feature 20 regular sporting events, with pencak silat now officially included. Weightlifting debuts as a demonstration sport, with Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz overseeing the competition.

To ensure the safety of athletes amid extreme temperatures of up to 45°C in Laoag, Usec. Garma said a window period has been set for indoor and outdoor events from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tournament officials are also authorized to postpone or reschedule matches based on the heat index.

The 2025 Palarong Pambansa runs until May 31, 2025.