Agusan del sur: The Negros Island Region (NIR) is celebrating its maiden gold medals as it takes the early lead in the medal tally of the ongoing 66th Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur. Partial and official overall tally for regular sports of the Department of Education (DepEd) as of 9 a.m. Tuesday showed the NIR at the top, with four golds, one silver, and one bronze in athletics being held at the D.O. Plaza Government Center Sports Complex in Prosperidad town.
According to Philippines News Agency, the NIR, composed of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Bacolod City, competes for the first time as the Visayan Vipers after its creation through Republic Act 12000 in 2024. Marjen Iwayan, a learner at Vito Elementary School in Sagay City in Negros Occidental, delivered the region's first gold medal in elementary girls javelin throw on Monday. "Her winning throw showcased skill and preparation, giving NIR an early boost in the competition," the DepEd-NIR said in a statement.
Following Iwayan's feat is another athlete from Sagay City, Jonel Metoda Jr. of Felomino Pascual Elementary School, who ruled the elementary boys javelin throw. The gold medal in secondary girls javelin throw went to Christine Rose Toquero of Escalante National High School in Escalante City, Negros Occidental. Ashley Nicole Silvor, a pupil of Tipolo-Cabandungga Elementary School in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, captured the gold in the elementary girls' 400-meter run. Rajib Ash Catenza of Rodolfo A. Medel Sr. Elementary School in Bacolod City took the silver in elementary boys 110-m hurdles.
Meanwhile, the NIR delegation also introduced its official mascot, The Visayan Viper, modeled after the native Philippine Pit Viper (Trimeresurus flavomaculatus). Vipers stands for victorious in spirit, integrated in purpose, precise in action, enduring in hardship, resilient in defeat, and swift in victory. According to DepEd-NIR, the mascot unifies the region's distinct landscapes. These are the "green strength" of Negros Occidental's lush forests, the "rugged endurance" of Negros Oriental's mountain peaks, and the "mystical precision" of Siquijor's shores.
