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.

The city’s young athletes dominated across multiple categories. In the Elementary division, Puerto Princesa claimed gold in the Boys’ Singles A, Boys’ Doubles, Girls’ Singles A, and Girls’ Singles B, and Mixed Doubles. This sweeping victory underscored their strength and depth of talent within the younger age group.

The Secondary division saw a continuation of this winning streak. Puerto Princesa secured championships in Boys’ Singles A, Boys’ Singles B, Girls’ Singles A, Girls’ Doubles, and Mixed Doubles . This impressive display of consistent excellence cemented their position as the undisputed champions of the tournament.

The MRAA 2025 Badminton Tournament witnessed a spectacular display of athleticism and sportsmanship. Puerto Princesa’s triumph serves as an inspiration to aspiring badminton players, demonstrating the power of dedication, training, and teamwork.

This comprehensive victory makes Puerto Princesa the undisputed badminton champions of the MRAA 2025 tournament and secures their place as Mimaropa’s representatives in the prestigious Palarong Pambasa 2025.

Photo Credits : Kolleen Tatlonghari-Monsanto

Biradang tinapos ni Derder ang laro sa Regu C para sa ginto matapos mailapit ang gitgitan mula nang maghinalo sa mga tira ng kalaban at sunod-sunod na magpaulan ng bicycles, dahilan upang manguna sa first to 17 at pagharian at bakbakan, 2-1 iskor sa Regu C.

Kumamada ng tinatayang 16 pts ang grade 9 atleta, tampok sa asintadong bicycles, cartwheels at blocks para sa Palawan.

Hindi naging madali para sa Palawan ang kanilang puksaan kontra Occi Min sa Regu A ng takraw nang pormahan ni Erasmo ang gitgitan gamit ang malalakas na bicycles para sa iskor na 17-16, 17-16, pabor ang dalawang set sa Occi.

Hindi naman nagpatinag ang defending champ sa pagpasok ng Regu B nang sargong nagpakawala sina Romiala, Abadiano at Paguila ng bicycles, tekong, at cartwheels na nagpatabla sa sagupaan, 15-11, 15-6 kartada sa Regu B.

Walang humpay na opensiba at depensiba sa pagitan ng dalawang koponan ang nanalasa sa deciding game ng Regu C, at magkasunurang pinakawala ni Derder ang kaniyang dalawang huling bicycles, dahilan upang tuluyang maselyuhan ng Palawan ang kampeonato, 15-11, 8-15, 17-14, 2-1 panalo sa Regu C.

“By faith talaga ‘yong laban kanina, during the 3rd Regu, nananalangin kami, kasi imposible na manalo kami, tiwala na sa panginoon ang aming pag-asa” ani ni Webster Rosas, coach ng Palawan.

Sa pagkapanalo ay nagawang ibandera ng Palawan ang ginto at makauusad sa palarong pambansa. Sumalansan naman sa pilak ang delegasyong Occi at tansong medalya para sa PPC.

Kaugnay ng kanilang back-to-back champion, wagi sa tatlong gitgitan ng Men’s Regu ang Palawan kontra mga pambato ng Occi at PPC.

Samantala, sumampa rin ang mga atleta ng Palawan sa isa pang ginto ng kategoryang Best Regu ng Men’s Sepak Takraw.

Mga larawang kuha ni Dale Arthas Igot

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.

Nasungkit ng Palawan ang unang puwesto matapos humakot ng anim (6) gold, dalawang (2) silver at isang (1) bronze. Tumuntong naman sa ikawalang puwesto ang koponan ng Puerto Princesa na may apat (4) gold, isang (1) silver at apat (4) bronze.

Umangat din ang delegasyon ng Occidental Mindoro sa ikatlong puwesto na may dalawang (2) silver at anim (6) bronze, sinundan ng Oriental Mindoro na may dalawang (2) silver at limang (5) bronze.

Ang Romlom ay nakakuha din ng dalawang (2) pilak at tanso at Marinduque na may isang(1) pilak at dalawang (2) tanso. Ang sampung (10) boksingero mula sa Palawan at lungsod ng Puerto Princesa na kapwa sumikwat ng gintong medalya ay susuntok sa darating na Palarong Pambansa 2025 upang kumatawan sa rehiyon ng MIMAROPA.

Humagupit ng napakalakas na flyball ang mga atleta ng Palawan para makarating ang bola sa kabilang bahagi ng field dahilan upang makailang ulit na homerun.

Pumukol ng 10 puntos ang leopard bida ang kanilang flyball, hit-and-run, bunt at homerun para pagharian ang field.

Ayon kay Mark Chinel Saclet, coach ng koponan, consistent na practice at disiplina ng mga atleta at araw-araw na pag-eensayo ang ginawa nilang paghahanda upang hindi sila mahirapan sa laban.

“Consistent na practice, then discipline para sa mga bata at araw-araw na training tapos yung suppurta na galing kay Engineer Ted. ,yung number 1 supporter namin kaya talagang hindi kami masyadong nahirapan”, wika ni Saclet.

Umpisa pa lang nagpakitang gilas na ang Palawan kung saan dalawang beses itong umikot para makamit ang homerun, 2-0.

Pumalo nang nag-aalab na flyball ang leopard sa 3rd inning kung saan nagkaroon ng pagkakataon ang koponan upang makuha ang homerun. Hindi pa nakontento ang delegasyon at bumanat pa ito ng Hit-and-run para matamo ang homerun, 3-0.

Pagsapit ng 4th inning agad ng bumitaw ng flyball ang Palawan na naging daan upang masungkit ulit ng homerun, 1-0.

Lalong umalab ang determinasyon ng leopard sa kalagitnaan ng huling inning matapos magpasiklab ito ilang beses na hit-and-run at sunod-sunod na homerun na nagtala ng kanilang panalo, 5-0.

“Na-challenge naman po kasi kami sapagkat medyo na-pressure kami dahil malakas din ang kalaban tsaka may training sila kaya medyo nahirapan kami”, wika ni  Carl Mark, Captain ng koponan.

Samantala nakamit naman ang Puerto Princesa City (PPC) ang medalyang Pilak habang nasungkit ng Marinduque ang Tansong medalya.

Mga larawang kuha ni Dale Arthas Igot

Patuloy na namayagpag ang atletang nagmula sa Narra Integrated School kahit sa matinding gitgitan at depensa ang lumapat sa mga unang minuto ay nagawa itong lagpasan ng Palawan matapos na makahawak ng bola ang 15 anyos na atleta at sunod-sunod na 2 point shots ang ipinamalas nito, 5-0.

Sumalansan si Aldaya ng 10 puntos tampok sa kaniyang maiinit na 4 lay-ups at rumaragasang 2 point shot upang tuluyang selyuhan ang panalo.

“Itong mga batang ito ay nireserve ko talaga para sa 3×3 kasi yung dalawa diyan ay naglalaro na para sa National si Aldaya yung captain ball ko at Angintagpan”, pahayag ni Charlene Grace A. Escala, coach ng Palawan. 

Ayon pa coach minsan ding nakaranas ng rejection ang kaniyang mga manlalaro ngunit hindi ito naging hadlang subalit naging inspirasyon nila ito para bumalik nang mas malakas. 

Agad na umarangkada ang Palawan sa pagsapit pa lamang ng unang mga minuto ng laro matapos magpakawala ni Aldaya ng mababangis na jumpshots at galing sa pagdepensa dahilan upang pangunahan ang laban, 7-2.

Sinubukan mang dumepensa at makapuntos ng Marinduque ngunit hindi ito umubra sa pinaghalong lakas nina Aldaya at Angintagpan, 2nd best player, sa pagtira at pagdepensa, mula sa kanilang lumalagablab na jumpshots at pambihirang liksi dahilan upang manguna sa laro, 16-10.

Patuloy ang sigawan at hiyawan ng mga taga suporta ng Palawan sa huling mga nalalabing minuto nang tuluyang patumbahin ng 5’4 manlalaro na si Aldaya ang kalaban nang magpasiklab ito nang magkakasunod na lay ups, at jumpshot, 21-14 panalo kontra Marinduque. 

Nagawang maibandera ng Palawan ang gintong medalya para sa MIMAROPA RAA Meet 2025 at susubukan namang makopo ang ginto sa darating na Palarong Pambansa 2025. 

Samantala, nasungkit ng Marinduque ang pilak matapos magpamalas ng lakas ng opensa at depensa habang naiuwi ng lungsod ng Puerto Princesa ang tanso.

Larawang kuha ni Dale Arthas Reigner

In the elementary boys’ division, Jelixer Lumogdang from Valentin Macasaet Sr. MES emerged as the singles A champion, displaying remarkable talent and strategic gameplay. The doubles A championship went to the formidable pair of John Francis E. Gemina and Al Khalid T. Tabi from F. Ubay Memorial Elementary School, their coordinated efforts and powerful shots proving too much for their opponents. Coach Marites Q. Manlangit guided these winning players to victory.

The elementary girls’ division also saw outstanding performances from Puerto Princesa players. Jandrea Q. Lanuza from F. Ubay Memorial Elementary School secured the singles A title, showcasing impressive precision and control. Ada Gabrielle T. Monsanto from Palawan State University-LES claimed the singles B championship, demonstrating great potential and a bright future in the sport. Their coach, Marivic N. Grande, expressed pride in their achievements.

The tournament highlighted the rising star power of Puerto Princesa’s young badminton players and the dedication of their coaches. Their success reflects the city’s commitment to nurturing athletic talent and fostering a vibrant sports community.

Ipinakita ng Palawan ang kanilang lakas, diskarte, at determinasyon para banderahan ang koponan laban sa anim na delegasyon mula sa rehiyon ng MIMAROPA simula unang sabak ng laro hanggang sa huling laban.

Ayon kay Cherry Ann G. Moises, assistant coach ng Palawan, year round ang training ng mga atleta upang mahubog ang kanilang galing pagdating sa larangan ng futsal at upang makapasok sila hanggang palarong pambansa.

“Simula provincial meet, marami na talaga silang pinagdaanan, hindi na sila umuwi at dito na nila pinagpatuloy ang training sa Puerto para lalo silang lumakas ,” saad ni Moises sa panayam.

Namayagpag ang galing ng mga manlalaro dala ang kanilang bangis sa court gamit ang mga pinagsamang full step strike, counter attack at inside kick sa kabuoan ng laro na magdadala sa kanila sa kapana-panabik na Palarong Pambasa na gaganapin sa Ilocos Sur.

Ayon kay Trisha May M. Nuñez, isa sa mga best players lubos ang galak ng mga manlalaro dahil sa matagal na nilang pinangarap na makapasok sa MRAA Meet, at ngayong nakamit na ang gintong  inaasam-asam.

“Sobrang saya po dahil nakapasok kami sa palarong pambansa, dahil matagal na po talaga naming pinangarap na makapasok dito,” giit ni Trisha sa panayam.

Dagdag pa ni Nuñez, ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa team at pakikinig sa mga payo ng kanilang coach ang nagsilbi niyang gabay upang tulungan ang koponan sa laban.

Ang mga fusalista ng deegasyon ng Palawan ay nagmula sa Quezon National High School sa Poblacion Quezon Palawan.

Samantala, nakamit naman ng delegayon ng Romblon ang ikalawang pwesto habang lumapag sa ikatlong pwesto ang Puerto Princes City na dating may hawak ng kampeonato.

Larawang kuha ni Dale Arthas Igot

Bitbit ang purong determinasyon, nakapagtala ng nakapaninindig-balahibong 6.81m na layo sa pagtalon ang pambato ng PPC upang makamit ang kaniyang inaasam na ginto.

Hindi naging hadlang para sa manlalarong ito ang presyur ng “homecourt advantage” nang kaniyang patunayan na nananalaytay sa kaniyang dugo ang tikas ng katawan.

Samantala, sa kategoryang Mens Elementary at Womens Secondary ay nakuha nina Ariel Galindez at Maria Cristina Indaya ang ginto sa kani-kaniyang kategorya para sa Oriental Mindoro.

Mga kuha nina Ricchie Alim at Antonette Latube