LUNA, Apayao—Apayao Schools Division Superintendent Ronald Castillo applauded the recent contributions of Apayao Eagles who joined other “Fearless Highlanders” of Cordillera in showing their grit, determination and will to win in the just concluded 2019 Palarong Pambansa in Davao City.
With gold medal in Pencak Silat, silver in Aerobic Gymnastics and another four (4) bronze medals in Gymnastics, Castillo believed that Apayao athletes played their heart and made a strong statement that they too can compete with the best and brightest in the country.
“It is evident na nag-level up ang mga athletes natin in the Palaro, both in quality and quantity. We showed that we are competitive,” Castillo pointed out.
Though some of the medals clinched by Apayao are still demo sports or not counted in the official medal tally like Pencak Silat and Aerobic Gymnastics, Apayao delegates particularly their coaches are elated with the performances of their players as this would mean a possible dominance if it will eventually become a regular sports next year’s Palaro.
Rhyshl Viscara of Guinaang National High School in Conner, Apayao reigned supreme and bagged the gold medal in the Pencak Silat, 39-42 kg female category. This is the first ever gold contribution of Apayao to team Cordillera in the Palaro.
In Aerobic Gymnastics, elementary gymnasts Arriane Pearl Poblete, Princess Jae Sanidad and Rocaoa Royo made a magnificent combination as they grabbed the silver medal. Two (2) bronze medals were added in the Aero Gymnastics Group both in Elementary and Secondary through the outstanding performances showed by Ana Clerie Dumincil, Lei Anne Pascual and Rovien Mark Almazan in the secondary and Poblete, Sanidad and Royo in the elementary.
To complete the Apayao medal haul, Barrel James Pablo of Luna displayed his exceptional feats in MAG Floor Exercise and in MAG High Bars as he impressed the judges and grabbed two (2) bronze medals.
For the upcoming school year in order to maintain or even surpass the record Apayao’s best ever finish this 2019 CARAA Meet, Castillo said, they will try to establish special program for sports on a long term basis in the Municipality of Luna. “But for the coming years, we will try to have strategic positioning in events that we showed strength like gymnastics, athletics, chess, table tennis and combative sports. We will also endeavor to strengthen swimming,” Castillo stressed.
Castillo encouraged the athletes to continue honing their crafts and to exceed their previous best as for him, a good and brighter future is waiting for those who push to excel in their chosen field.
Meanwhile, Castillo expressed his gratitude to the Provincial Government of Apayao through Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. leadership, the mayors of the seven municipalities and the heads of national line agencies who provided necessary assistance. “For our sponsors and supporters, we are very grateful for your support. Your help will indeed help shape the future of our youth and I believe they can go far,” Castillo concluded.
By GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
