PASSI CITY, Iloilo — Iloilo’s campaign in the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet roared to life on Wednesday as the Iloilo Giants stamped their dominance in athletics and swimming, piling up gold medals early and positioning themselves as a powerhouse in the regional competition.
Bannering the campaign for Iloilo in athletics were Ryza Caberoy, who ruled the elementary girls long jump, and Robbie Aguilar, who topped the secondary boys long jump. Jeo Querubin struck gold in the elementary boys triple jump, while Franklin Catera led the secondary boys triple jump event.
The Giants squad also secured several silver medals, including Maria De Guino in the elementary girls long jump and Querubin, who added a runner-up finish in the elementary boys long jump.
Zamira Prader (elementary girls triple jump) and Thamea Prosperoso, who clinched silvers in both the secondary girls long jump and triple jump, also contributed to the medal haul.
Other second-place finishers were Joshua Soberano in the secondary boys 3,000-meter steeplechase and Justine Salazar in the secondary boys triple jump.
Bronze medalists for Iloilo included Isabel Piccuro (elementary girls triple jump), Franklin Catera (secondary boys long jump), Elver Salavia (elementary boys triple jump), and Jela Aplita (secondary girls triple jump).
In swimming, Gabe Precia stood out for Iloilo after capturing gold in the elementary boys 100-meter backstroke and adding a silver in the 50-meter butterfly. John Renier Pasadilla also delivered a gold medal in the secondary boys division.
Additional silver medals in swimming came from Jose Paguntalan (elementary boys 100-meter backstroke), Julia Orada, and John Millan.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City’s Urban Blaze team made waves in the pool, led by Candace Franco, who clinched gold in both the 400-meter freestyle and 200-meter butterfly. Teammates Samuel Valenzuela and Jann Gentozala also contributed gold medal performances.
Other provinces likewise produced standout athletes. Aklan’s Brennant Hilario topped the elementary boys 50-meter butterfly, while AJ Ote secured gold in weightlifting. Guimaras’ Lorence Orale ruled the elementary boys long jump event.
Antique’s Jose Cristobal emerged victorious in the secondary boys 3,000-meter steeplechase, while Capiz celebrated gold medal finishes from Samuella Patricio in the elementary girls triple jump and Yvon Manong in the secondary girls triple jump.
The WVRAA Meet continues to showcase the region’s top young talents as they compete for honors and qualification to higher-level competitions./PN
