CEBU City – Anilao Central Elementary School, representing Western Visayas, emerged as gold medal winners in the elementary boys baseball event of the 2024 Palarong Pambansa here.
The Region 6 squad claimed Anilao’s first-ever Palaro baseball gold following a tight 5-4 victory over CALABARZON in the championship game held on Tuesday at the Filinvest City di Mare.
Jonas Dionela stepped up for Western Visayas to be awarded Most Valuable Player, Homerun King, Runs Batted In (RBI Kings) and Most Stolen Base, while Kim Cupan was named Best Pitcher.
Also part of the squad were Mark Leanns Rapista, AJ Aragona, Christian Dale Silva, Rieven Dalida, JM Dumadiego, Isaiah Joshua Galarpe, Brent Andrei Belgira, Gab Judah Marl Loste, Mike Navigar, and Ryn Michael Delmo.
Anilao had a perfect elimination round campaign as they scored a 12-0 victory over CARAGA squad before pulling of lopsided victories over CARAA (7-2) and EVRAA (13-2).
The Western Visayas representatives got challenge in the quarterfinals round against Region 1, which they defeated with a score of 12-8, before repeating over EVRAA in the semifinals.
Nathalie Ann Debuque, the mayor of Anilao town in Iloilo province, said the gold medal feat was a special moment for her town as they fell short of winning the Palaro baseball gold before.
“In a remarkable and unprecedented accomplishment, Anilao has won its first-ever gold medal in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa Baseball Elementary (Little League) marking a momentous occasion in our town’s history,” Debuque said in a Facebook Post.
“This historic victory was achieved because of the outstanding skills, determination, and sportsmanship of our team to bring home the gold to our beloved town,” added the mayor.
“This first-ever gold medal of Anilao in the Palarong Pambansa and first in Western Visayas in the field of Baseball is not only a testament to the talent and determination of our players but also serves as an inspiration to all aspiring athletes in our town. It is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and community support, anything is possible,” she further said./PN
