CEBU City – Ilonggo Sam Kenjie Bantillo captured one of Western Visayas’ two gold medals at the start of the 2024 Palarong Pambansa on Thursday at the Cebu Sports Complex here.
Bantillo, a native of Carles, Iloilo, captured the secondary boys long jump gold medal by finishing with 7.09-meter leap, just ahead of the silver medal winner from Region 3, who ended with 7.07 meters.
“I am happy with the result. My almost one month of preparation has paid off,” Bantillo told Panay News.””I am mentally and physically prepared for Palaro.”
Bantillo, who is a scholar of the Iloilo Provincial Government, will still have a chance to add to his gold haul as he competes in triple jump and 4×100 meter relay events.
Chrispherl Kyle Ngirngir, a native of Miag-ao, Iloilo, gave the delegation its first silver medal by finishing runner up in the elementary boys long jump event.
Christine Diaz of Sagay City, Negros Occidental bagged Western Visayas’’ second silver medal as she ended at second place in secondary girls discus throw event.
Meanwhile, Ilonggo Janry Songcayawon also notched a gold medal after ruling the secondary boys bocce single event, defeating Uwejil Sobrecarey of Region 9, 7-1.
“I am happy to win a gold medal. This is my third Palaro appearance,” said Songcayawon, who is hoping to earn a national team invite in the future.
Meanwhile, Western Visayas secondary girls volleyball team, represented by Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts, opened their title defense with a 25-16, 25-18 victory over Region XII SOCCSKSARGEN.
Ilongga Ana Francessca Hermosura emerged as Player of the Game for Region 6 after finishing with eight points, on six attacks and two service aces./PN
