MARIKINA City – Three Ilonggo tracksters kicked off the Western Visayas delegation’s gold medal haul in the 2023 Palarong Pambansa on Tuesday afternoon at the Marikina Sports Center here.
Jumel Dichosa, a native of Balasan in Iloilo province, took home the delegation’s first gold medal in the elementary boys long jump by recording a personal best 5.28 meters.
Guimarasnon Jian Arlanza and Jan Ford Padon of Region 1 both finished with 5.16 meters but it was the former who ended with the silver medal after having the best second jump of 5.13 meters compared to Padon’s 4.86 meters.
Joshua Patorara of Jose Facultad Memorial National High School in Pototan, Iloilo, meanwhile, captured Region 6’s second athletics gold medal. He topped the secondary boys long jump event.
Wennie John Paclibar, a native of Ajuy, Iloilo, netted the region’s third gold medal in the elementary boys javelin throw with a new Palarong Pambansa record of 53.06 meters.
Ilongga Avegail Beliran, on the other hand, settled for a silver medal finish in the secondary girls javelin throw event, while Carles, Iloilo native Shanelle Jane Felomino ended with a bronze medal in elementary girls high jump.
Ilonggo taekwondo jin Nathan Lee Dedal, on the other hand, bagged Western Visayas’ third gold medal in the week-long competition. He ruled the elementary boys individual poomsae category.
Meanwhile, Western Visayas secondary girls volleyball team pulled off a stunner. They defeated defending champions National Capital Region, 25-21, 15-25, 25-15, to kick off their campaign.
Jihan Isabelle Chuatico was named as Player of the Game for providing steady offense in the Bacolod Tay Tung High School-represented WV’s win over NCR, composed of players from National University Lady Bullpups.
The Ian Macariola-mentored WV crew later notched second consecutive victory after a 25-14, 25-14 straight set win over Region 10. Jothea Ramos emerged as Player of the Game.
The Western Visayas elementary boys volleyball team, composed of players from Iloilo City, also had a good start in the competition as they defeated CALABARZON, 25- 14 25-19./PN
