Boholano student-athletes representing Region VII-Central Visayas (CVRAA) delivered an impressive medal-winning campaign during the 2026 Palarong Pambansa held in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, from May 24 to 31.
The strong medal haul brought pride to Bohol through outstanding performances across athletics, chess, swimming, football, arnis, badminton, weightlifting, and wushu.
Leading the medal haul was distance-running standout Jhul Ian Cañalita of Garcia-Hernandez, who captured two gold medals in the Secondary Boys 5,000-meter Run and 3,000-meter Steeplechase.
Cañalita also established new Palarong Pambansa records, including a new 5,000-meter mark of 15:15.22 and an improved 3,000-meter Steeplechase record of 9:11.40.
Bohol also secured gold medals through high jumper Gwen Diaz of Mater Dei College-Tubigon, arnis champion KC Mae Gamayon of Valencia, and chess standout Kristina Concepcion Belano of Calape National High School, who contributed two gold medals for the CVRAA chess team events.
Silver medalists included weightlifter Anthony Jodel Acierda of Garcia-Hernandez, swimmer Louis Armani Amoy of Tubigon, swimmer Ann Emmanuelle “Babosh” Gallego of Loon, and the Region VII Elementary Football Team, composed primarily of Boholano athletes.
The silver medalist football team comprises 18 athletes from Garcia Central Elementary School, two (2) from Alicia Central Elementary School, and one (1) from Sierra Bullones Central Elementary School.
Bronze medal winners were Dayne Glanz Cesar of Loay (badminton), Kevin Shyros Batolanon of San Miguel, and Adam Kiamko of Guindulman (wushu sanda), Justin Madelo of Garcia-Hernandez (walkathon), Earl Zander Galiposo of Valencia (400-meter dash), Mae Ann Bacaron of Talibon (100-meter hurdles), and Gallego in the 100-meter breaststroke.
The Bohol Province delegation was supported by the partnership between the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) and the Department of Education – Bohol Province.
Through the Special Education Fund under the Provincial School Board, chaired by Governor Aris Aumentado, the support includes ₱4,500 allowance assistance each to 161 members of the Bohol delegation, including 132 athletes, 23 coaches, and six volunteer trainers competing in the national games.
Aligning with its Strategic Governance Roadmap on human development, the continuing success of Boholano athletes reflects the province’s commitment to youth development, sports excellence, and producing champions who continue to raise the banner of the Bohol Island Geopark on the national stage. (PIMO/JSS)
