BAGUIO CITY – The streak is broken, but Apayao is not backing down.
After finishing as first runner-up in the last three Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) meets, Apayao slipped to second runner-up in the 2025 edition, bagging 36 gold, 50 silver, and 83 bronze medals after a grueling five-day competition co-hosted by the province of Benguet and Baguio City.
It was not the finish the delegation had hoped for, but considering the odds stacked against them, the performance was commendable. yApayao athletes trained under difficult conditions after multiple typhoons hammered the province last year, forcing class suspensions for more than a month and cutting into their preparation time. This year, nonstop rains added to the challenge, making training even tougher. But for the athletes and coaches, there were no excuses—only a hunger to come back stronger next year.
Despite the setback, the Eagles remained dominant in their strongholds. Gymnastics and chess, the perennial gold mines for the delegation, once again delivered and kept the province in the upper tier of the medal tally. The woodpushers secured 8 out of the possible 16 gold medals, a display of mastery on the board. Meanwhile, the agile Eagles amassed 21 medals, with 12 coming from aerobic gymnastics alone after they swept the tournament and claimed an unshakable grip on gold.
For the past three CARAA meets, Apayao had been an undeniable force, securing first runner-up finishes in 2024, 2023, and 2019. The province even played host in 2019 and 2024, where they did not disappoint the hometown crowd.
This year’s results may sting, but the fire is far from extinguished. With a full year to regroup and rebuild, the Eagles are already setting its sights on a stronger comeback in 2026.
Nonetheless, the Apayao Eagles have carved their story in blood, sweat, and tears. They have weathered storms, trained through adversity, and stood tall when it mattered most. To the Apayao Eagles, we offer admiration. To the yApayao athletes, your fire burns bright, and your spirit soars beyond the podium. By Apayao PIO
