Puerto Princesa City emerged as the champion of the 2025 MIMAROPA Regional Athletic Meet, after hauling a remarkable total of 121 gold medals.

The city’s athletes dominated both the elementary and secondary levels, securing a grand total of 262 medals.

According to the final and official tally, Puerto Princesa City’s overall medal count included 121 gold, 77 silver, and 64 bronze, narrowly beating Palawan, which finished second with 261 medals, comprising 88 gold, 86 silver, and 87 bronze.

Oriental Mindoro came in third with 207 medals, including 68 gold, 70 silver, and 69 bronze.

In the elementary division, Puerto Princesa City claimed the overall win with 41 gold medals, while Palawan came next after earning 36 gold medals and Oriental Mindoro followed with 22 gold.

Occidental Mindoro ranked fourth with 15 gold, followed by Calapan City with 15, Marinduque with 4, and Romblon with 3 gold medals.

Meanwhile, in the secondary level, Puerto Princesa City still dominated the events with 80 gold medals, leaving Palawan with 52 golds in second place.

Oriental Mindoro placed third with 46 gold medals followed by Occidental Mindoro with 16; while Calapan City, Romblon, and Marinduque landed in fifth, sixth, and seventh places with 15, 4, 1 gold medal haul, respectively.

The meet also recognized outstanding display of cleanliness and discipline outside of athletics.

Calapan City was awarded first place for maintaining the cleanest billeting schools, followed by Oriental Mindoro and Marinduque as second and third placers, respectively.

The first most disciplined delegation award was given to Oriental Mindoro, while Calapan came in the second place and Marinduque in the third spot.

Capping the five-day battle of athleticism, DepEd MIMAROPA Assistant Regional Director Cherrylou D. Repia extended her votes of thanks to the athletes coming from the seven delegations for fulfilling the order of the Regional Director Nicolas T. Capulong to maintain discipline all throughout the conduct of the meet.

“Sa mga bata, salamat sa pagtupad nyo sa tagubilin ng ating Director Nick Capulong na ang sabi nya ang pinakamahalaga sa kanya ay disiplina ng mga bata, and definitely we can say that you obeyed our regional director,” Repia said.

It can be noted that before the regional meet commenced, the Regional Director reminded everyone that he is expecting that MIMAROPA will maintain its reputation as one of the most disciplined delegations in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa, with reference to its achievement in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City where MIMAROPA placed second among the most disciplined together with CALABARZON and Davao Region as first and third, respectively.

The athletes who triumphed in the regional meet will represent MIMAROPA in the Palarong Pambansa in Region I, particularly in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, this coming May 24 to June 2, marking an exciting opportunity for these players to showcase their talents on the national stage.

As of Day 3, Puerto Princesa City leads with a remarkable 70 gold, 51 silver, and 36 bronze medals, far ahead of their closest competitors. This dominant display has placed them firmly in the overall first-place position for two consecutive days, from being medal-less on Day 1.

In second place is Palawan, another powerhouse, with 52 gold, 55 silver, and 51 bronze medals. Palawan has remained competitive, especially in the secondary level events, where they’ve consistently secured high finishes.

Oriental Mindoro, with 44 gold, 36 silver, and 47 bronze medals, occupies the third place overall. Their athletes have staged a tough fight where they managed to secure numerous podium spots.

Calapan City is holding its own in fourth place, with a total of 21 gold, 29 silver, and 41 bronze medals. Despite a smaller delegation compared to the top three, Calapan’s athletes have shown impressive performances in various events.

Occidental Mindoro, sitting in fifth place with 16 gold, 29 silver, and 31 bronze medals, has faced stiff competition but continues to contribute strong performances.

Romblon and Marinduque are in sixth and seventh places, respectively, with Romblon earning 5 gold, 10 silver, and 25 bronze medals, while Marinduque has 4 gold, 2 silver, and 10 bronze. Both provinces have had some strong individual performances but have struggled to match the medal counts of their larger and more established rivals.

In the elementary level, Puerto Princesa City continues its reign with 31 gold, 20 silver, and 11 bronze medals. Palawan holds second place in this division with 26 gold, 25 silver, and 22 bronze medals.

Placing third is Calapan City with 14 gold, 13 silver, 15 bronze, and in the fourth spot is Oriental Mindoro hauling 12 gold, 18 silver, 24 bronze.

Occidental Mindoro is in the fifth with 5 gold, 11 silver, 14 bronze. Marinduque and Romblon are running for sixth and seventh, with Marinduque securing 3 gold, 7 bronze and Romblon heaping 2 gold, 6 silver, 12 bronze.

Looking at the secondary level, Puerto Princesa City is in the lead with 39 gold, 31 silver, and 25 bronze medals; Oriental Mindoro is in second place, securing 32 gold, 18 silver, and 23 bronze medals; while claiming the third spot is Palawan with 26 gold, 30 silver, 29 bronze.

Occidental Mindoro placed fourth with 11 gold, 18 silver, 17 bronze. Calapan City is in fifth spot with 7 gold, 16 silver, 26 bronze. Romblon secured sixth place with 3 gold, 4 silver, 13 bronze, while Marinduque is seventh with 1 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze.

With the fourth and last day of the competition underway, all eyes are on the final events as the delegations continue to battle for supremacy in the MIMAROPA RAA Meet.

In his speech during the grand opening ceremonies of the 2025 MIMAROPA Regional Athletic Meet, March 11, Regional Director Dr. Nicolas T. Capulong underscored discipline, with reference to the American motivational speaker Jim Rohn’s message. It goes, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

Earlier that day in a solidarity meeting, Director Capulong also gave a challenge to coaches, tournament directors and assistant directors, game officials, and other athletic meet participants to maintain the discipline that MIMAROPA demonstrated in the previous Palarong Pambansa. It can be recalled that MIMAROPA was awarded second most disciplined region in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City, together with CALABARZON and Davao Region as first and third most disciplined, respectively. RD Nick left the message, “Hindi man tayo makapanalo ng overall champion trophy for this and for that [sa Palarong Pambansa], iyon lamang matagurian tayong most disciplined, malaking-malaking panalo po para sa atin iyon.”

Discipline is the foundation of athletic success. In the context of regional and national athletic games like the MIMAROPA RAA Meet and the Palarong Pambansa, where the competition is fierce and the stakes are high, maintaining discipline is not just about following rules—it’s about ensuring consistency, respect, and dedication to the sport. This value must be upheld across all stages, from the local meets to the grand stage of Palarong Pambansa.

It is worth recognizing that discipline should not only be an internal pursuit but also a communal accountability. Coaches, local government units, and educational institutions must all work together to ensure that athletes are geared up not only with physical skills but also with the right attitude. From ensuring a proper diet and enough rest to nurturing a healthy mental outlook, the region’s athletes need comprehensive support. This attitude toward discipline strengthens not just individual athletes but also the entire region’s performance in events like the Palarong Pambansa.

Top athletic regions prioritize discipline not just as an athletic technique, but also as mental and emotional strength. These delegates also count discipline as a cornerstone of success, fostering a holistic development in athletes both on and off the field. To maintain or surpass the top-performing regions, it’s crucial to stay focused on the big picture. The definitive goal is not just to bring home medals, but to create a culture of excellence and discipline. This culture includes consistent hard work, punctuality, and respect for others, creating a positive ripple effect within the regional athletic community.

For a geographically challenged region like MIMAROPA, with its divisions separated by seas, it is a marvel that it can keep up with its goal of being united towards one goal. One element that helps the region attain a good reputation in the national sports arena is its discipline. There is one challenge this year to MIMAROPA, to keep or surpass its standing and uphold the status of being among the top disciplined regions.

The most remarkable athletes are not the ones who perform best in competitions; they are those who demonstrate discipline, resilience, and character in all aspects of their athletic journey. Success in sports is not just about ultimate performance; most importantly, it is all about sustaining performance dedicatedly, with discipline being at the forefront of everything.

As of Day One of the 2025 MIMAROPA Regional Athletic Association (MRAA) Meet, March 12, the Palawan Delegation has emerged as the front-runner, securing a total of 16 medals, including 7 gold, 7 silver, and 2 bronze, showcasing their strong performance which positioned them firmly at the top of the overall standings.

Following Palawan is Oriental Mindoro, holding second place with 3 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals, while Occidental Mindoro sits in third place with 2 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze.

Marinduque claims fourth with 1 gold medal. Romblon stands in fifth with 2 silver and 3 bronze medals, and Calapan City is in sixth place with 1 silver.

Puerto Princesa City has yet to secure a medal as of Day 1.

In the elementary level, Palawan again takes the lead with 3 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze, with Occidental Mindoro ranking second with 1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze, while Oriental Mindoro follows closely in third place with 1 gold and 1 bronze.

Marinduque earned 1 gold, securing fourth place. Romblon is in fifth with 1 silver and 2 bronze, and Calapan is sixth with 1 silver. Puerto Princesa City remains medal-less in this category as well.

At the secondary level, Palawan continues to dominate with an impressive tally of 4 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze.

Oriental Mindoro is in second place with 2 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze, while Occidental Mindoro holds third with 1 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze.

Romblon has earned 1 silver and 1 bronze to secure fourth place.

Calapan, Marinduque, and Puerto Princesa City have yet to earn any medals in this division.

The competition is expected to intensify as the athletic meet continues in the succeeding days of competitions.

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—Regional Director Nicolas T. Capulong highlighted the value of praying as he rallied the athletes to not forget to pray in his inspirational message during the grand opening ceremony of the MIMAROPA Regional Athletic Meet held at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex, March 11.

Capulong told the participants in this year’s regional sports meet that if they want to be successful in their respective games, they should not forget to pray.

“Para sa akin, ito [prayer] ang pinakamahalaga. If you want to succeed in this world, do not forget to pray,” RD Capulong said.

The regional director also mentioned that the athlete who emerges triumphant in his game is the one who knows how to kneel and search for Divine Providence.

“He who kneels the most stands the best. A great person knows how to kneel and seek guidance from the Almighty,” he emphasized.

Moreover, RD Nick talked about determination, respect and discipline—three other virtues that the athletes should keep so as to succeed in the sporting events they participate in.  

“In order to win, one has to have determination. Determination is coupled with perseverance. It is not a matter of pursuing the goal that you have, it is also a matter of being patient enough in order to achieve your goal,” Capulong remarked.

He encouraged the players to show respect to themselves and the people around them.

“The second virtue you have to understand in order to win in all games of life is respect. We cannot be successful in this world if we do not possess respect. One, respect for ourselves, second respect for other people,” Capulong pointed out.

RD Nick also motivated the MIMAROPA athletes to maintain discipline to realize their goals.

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. Without discipline success is impossible. Your level of success is determined by your level of discipline and perseverance,” he urged.

Earlier that day in a solidarity meeting, Director Capulong also gave a challenge to coaches, tournament directors and assistant directors, game officials, and other athletic meet participants to maintain the discipline that MIMAROPA demonstrated in the previous Palarong Pambansa.

It can be recalled that MIMAROPA was awarded second most disciplined region in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City, together with CALABARZON and Davao Region as first and third most disciplined, respectively.

RD Nick left the message, “Hindi man tayo makapanalo ng overall champion trophy for this and for that [sa Palarong Pambansa], iyon lamang matagurian tayong most disciplined, malaking-malaking panalo po para sa atin iyon.”

Photo by Ranth Olorga / Campus Journalist, Practupians

Two field demonstrations of learners from San Miguel National High School and Palawan National School started the preliminary phase of the event to keep viewers amused while the athletic delegations assembled at Palawan State University for a parade.

The excitement grew higher as the National Colors carried by the PSU criminology students and white flags carried by Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines made entrance at the complex.

The atmosphere was alive with energy and anticipation as San Jose National High School students hemmed the track wearing white-pink combination Balayong-inspired props. The parade commenced with MIMAROPA mascots leading the way, adding joy and excitement as they dance and engage with the audience.

Following the mascots, the regional heads, personnel, and sports coordinators marched in, representing the strength of leadership and teamwork that made the event possible.

The seven delegations and the troop of tournament directors and officials made a grand entrance onto the field—each group showcasing pride and determination, with participants wearing vibrant delegation uniforms coupled with well-maintained lines and formations.

The bench yell performance of the Sta. Monica High School made the complex roar louder with their chants introducing and boosting each and every delegation.

The entertainment was capped with Ailene Bautista singing her famed ‘Amos Tara’ as San Jose High students established different formations including a magnificent ‘MIMAROPA,’ which was more prized when viewed on a higher or aerial position.

After the entertainment numbers were the messages delivered by the schools division superintendent, the city mayor, regional sports officer, assistant regional director, and the regional director.

The speeches of OIC-SDS Laida Lagar-Mascareñas, Hon. Lucilo R. Bayron, Regional Sports Officer Esmeraldo G. Lalo, ARD Cherrylou D. Repia, and RD Dr. Nicolas T. Capulong were filled with votes of thanks and messages of hope, challenges, and inspiration.

Signaling the start of this year’s sports meet, seven Palarong Pambansa athletes, representing the schools divisions of MIMAROPA, carried the torch that lit the Urn of Friendship.

The ceremonial Lighting of the Urn of Friendship was led by Palarong Pambansa bronze medalist Atom M. Tomas of Palawan National School.

This was followed by the Oath of Sportsmanship and Amateurism and Oath of Officiating Officials led by Tomas and Regional Sports Officer Esmeraldo G. Lalo, respectively. Tomas won bronze medal in Wushu Sanda 45 kg Category B from the Palarong Pambansa held in Cebu City in July 2024.