NCR leads in medal count as Palarong Pambansa closes

The National Capital Region (NCR) led in the medal count as the 2019 Palarong Pambansa entered its final day on Friday.

The NCR hauled a total of 78 gold, 69 silver and 48 bronze medals, followed by Calabarzon (55 golds, 44 silvers, 69 bronzes); Western Visayas (46 golds, 30 silvers, 50 bronzes); Soccsksargen (25 golds, 43 silvers, 34 bronzes); Bicol (23 golds, 22 silvers, 30 bronzes);

Central Visayas (19 golds, 16 silvers, 32 bronzes); Central Luzon (18 golds, 27 silvers, 27 bronzes); Northern Mindanao (17 golds, 24 silvers, 25 bronzes); Ilocos region (16 golds, 12 silvers, 21 bronzes); Cordillera region (14 golds, 13 silvers, 23 bronzes); Caraga (13 golds, 10 silvers, 14 bronzes); Davao region (12 golds, 19 silvers, 32 bronzes);

Eastern Visayas (11 golds, 8 silvers, 19 bronzes); Cagayan Valley (6 golds, 5 silvers, 7 bronzes); Mimaropa (3 golds, 7 silvers, 12 bronzes); Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (3 golds, 10 silvers, 5 bronzes); and Zamboanga Peninsula (3 golds, 3 silvers, 17 bronzes).

This year’s Palaro also saw 31 record breakers in swimming; 24 in athletics; and nine in archery.

Cesar Abalon, chief of the Schools Sports Division and chairman of the Technical Management and Administration of the Department of Education (DepEd), told reporters at the Davao City - University of the Philippines - Mindanao Sports Complex media center on Friday that this Palaro saw several record breakers and the improvement in the performance of such regions as Bicol, Soccsksargen, and BARMM.

Although the NCR took the biggest gold medal haul, Abalon noted that it usually pulls away with 100 golds during the national games. This time, though, the region did not break its record, he said.

Education Undersecretary Revsee Escobedo earlier said all the regions were really competitive and performing well because local governments are constructing sports facilities.

Escobedo expressed optimism that the Davao region would improve in the future with the construction of additional sports facilities and more support in terms of good training.

Meanwhile, the host city and DepEd 11 (Davao region) are ready with the closing ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa on Saturday. 

Event organizer, Wadab Babao, said it is all systems go for the ceremony with Mayor Sara Z. Duterte.

The closing ceremony will start at 3 p.m. (PNA)