Bohol continues to strengthen its youth empowerment and sports development initiatives through sustained investments in grassroots sports programs and athlete development, highlighted during the June 5, 2026, episode of The Capitol Reports held at the Ceremonial Hall of the Provincial Capitol.
The discussion focused on Bohol’s achievements in the recently concluded 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, where athletes from the province played a significant role in helping Region VII (Central Visayas) secure fourth place in the overall rankings.
The episode underscored how the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, continues to promote sports excellence through its strong partnership with DepEd Bohol, the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO), and the Education Development Center (EdCenter), providing young athletes with opportunities, resources, and support systems necessary to compete at the highest level.
Leading the discussion were PYDO Head and Supervising Administrative Officer of the Office of the Governor, Metodio Maraguinot Jr.; DepEd Bohol Division Sports Officer Dr. Juan Torregosa; and Palarong Pambansa gold medalists Gwen Diaz, Kristina Concepcion Belano, KC Mae Gamayon, and Jhull Ian Cañalita.
Among the highlights of Bohol’s campaign was the historic performance of Cañalita of Tabuan National High School in Garcia Hernandez, who captured two gold medals in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and 5,000-meter run while setting new Palarong Pambansa records in both events.
Maraguinot described the achievement as one of the province’s most remarkable athletic accomplishments, noting that Cañalita broke a record that had stood for 27 years.
He added that the young athlete’s feat reflects years of dedication, discipline, and support from coaches, family members, schools, and the provincial sports development program.
Cañalita shared that months of intensive training, discipline, and endurance were necessary to prepare for the national competition.
Despite his record-breaking performance, he said he remains committed to improving further as he targets higher-level competitions in the future.
Belano of Calape National High School secured two gold medals in Chess Blitz and Chess Standard, while Gamayon of Mayor Pablo O. Lim Memorial High School in Valencia won gold in the Secondary Girls Pin Weight Category of Arnis.
Diaz of Mater Dei College-Tubigon also brought honor to the province after capturing gold in the Secondary Girls High Jump event.
The athletes shared their respective journeys toward success, highlighting the challenges they overcame through perseverance, discipline, and determination.
They also expressed gratitude to their coaches, families, schools, and supporters who helped them throughout their preparations.
Torregosa emphasized that the success of Boholano athletes is the result of strong collaboration among schools, coaches, parents, local government units, and the PGBh.
He likewise acknowledged the support of PGBh in funding the athletes’ 30-day centralized training, which played a crucial role in their preparation for the national competition.
Maraguinot further outlined the province’s sports development initiatives, including the “One Sport, One Town” program, sports clinics in barangays, strengthened athlete recruitment through the Boholympics, and scholarship reforms designed to retain and support promising young athletes.
He explained that producing champions is not an overnight process but requires years of investment, qualified coaches, appropriate facilities, and a comprehensive sports ecosystem that nurtures talent from the grassroots level.
Bohol concluded its Palarong Pambansa campaign with six gold, six silver, and seven bronze medals, reflecting the province’s growing strength in sports and commitment to youth development, a priority under the Strategic Governance Roadmap.
Maraguinot acknowledged the collective efforts of the various stakeholders in nurturing Boholano athletes.
“It really takes a whole province to raise a champion,” Maraguinot underscored.
The episode concluded with a renewed commitment from sports officials and stakeholders to continue investing in athlete development and creating more opportunities for young Bol-anons to excel in regional, national, and international competitions while bringing honor and pride to the Bohol Island Geopark. (PIMO/MFM)
