Dinagat islands: Dinagat Islands is celebrating a landmark achievement after its young athletes delivered the most successful campaign in the province's history at the Palarong Pambansa 2026, clinching three gold medals and six bronze medals.
According to Philippines News Agency, leading the charge was Marvielyn Sohellio of the Ruben E. Ecleo Sr. Memorial National High School (RESMNHS), who captured gold in the Kickboxing Female 46kg-50kg category. Joining her in the winner's circle was Dyve Robert Macatimpag of the Dinagat School of Fisheries, who dominated the Kickboxing Male 52kg-55kg category. Audrey Ann Cruz of the Don Jose Ecleo Memorial College completed the golden trio with victory in the Kickboxing Female 42kg-46kg category, cementing Dinagat Islands' growing reputation in combat sports.
The province's bronze medalists also shone brightly, with Kent Xyrus Monticino of Sta. Cruz Elementary School earning a medal in Elementary Boys Singles Tennis, while Ella Jade Lumizao and Syrel Jade Tek-Ing of RESMNHS secured bronze in the Girls Seni Ganda Event of Pencak Silat. Tek-Ing added another bronze in the Girls Tanding Class A Category, making her one of Dinagat's most decorated athletes this year. Additional honors came from kickboxers Chanil Sayson and Kyli Corsada, who each brought home bronze medals in their respective divisions.
Behind the victories were dedicated coaches and trainers, including Jessa Corsada and Benedicto Nacorda for kickboxing, Jennyvic Lubang for Pencak Silat, and Liezel Estudello for tennis, along with their respective training teams. Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. hailed the athletes' triumph as a turning point for the province. 'Sports is more than competition; it is a pathway to discipline, confidence, and opportunity for our youth,' Demerey said in a message sent to the Philippine News Agency on Saturday. He added that the Dinagat Islands may be small, but their young athletes have proven that with hard work and support, they can rise and triumph on the national stage.
'We will continue to nurture our student-athletes because their victories inspire the whole province and show the next generation that greatness is within reach,' Demerey said. Schools Division Superintendent Florence Almaden also received recognition from the provincial governor for her leadership in advancing sports development across the division. 'With three gold medals and seven bronze medals, the province of Dinagat Islands has written a new chapter in its sporting history, one that will inspire future generations of Dinagatnon learners to dream big, persevere, and achieve excellence,' Demerey said. He added that gold medal winners will receive PHP30,000 each, and bronze medalists, PHP10,000 each, from the provincial government.
The 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur opened on May 25 and ends on Sunday, May 31.
