By I. Inojales, Helen Castaño | 03:05 PM March 24, 2026
CEBU CITY — Team Bohol delivered a strong showing in the 2026 Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) Meet, emerging as an early leader in the unofficial medal tally as competitions continue in Naga City, Cebu.
The Bohol Province School Division delegation, composed of 1,026 members—including 553 athletes, 173 coaches, and 110 technical officials—is competing in the weeklong meet from March 22 to 28.
As of 5 p.m. on March 23, Bohol secured multiple gold medals from standout performances in athletics.
Ma. Nila Acampado of St. John the Baptist Academy ruled the 3,000-meter secondary girls event, while Jhul Ian Cañalita of Tabuan National High School dominated the 3,000-meter steeplechase.
Maria Jennely Esmolo of SSP Jose A. Clarin Memorial School also clinched gold in the elementary girls’ long jump.
Additional gold medals boosted the province’s campaign on Day 2, with Shella Jane Talaboc of Holy Cross Academy in Tubigon topping the 400-meter run (secondary girls).
In the elementary division, Rich Yza Requina of Loon captured gold in the 400-meter dash, while Andrea Cadeliña of Jagna settled for bronze.
Bohol also dominated the hurdles events, with Kurt Austin Zapanta of Ubay, Joross Ian Rose of Loay, and Mae Ann Bacaron of Talibon each bagging gold medals in their respective 110-meter races.
In long-distance events, Cañalita continued to shine, adding another gold medal in the 5,000-meter run (secondary boys), while Yvan Rae Mahinay of Alburquerque earned bronze.
Silver medalists
Silver medalists also contributed significantly to the province’s standing. Among them were Wendyl Egos (javelin throw), Jobim Pialago (1,500m freestyle), Mian Jane Gayle Lawagon (shot put), Juanine Lara (3,000m run), and Louis Armani Amoy (50m butterfly).
Bronze medal finishes came from Yuan Maximus Saavedra (1,500m freestyle), Marcel Quezon (long jump), Adelfa Rosemarie Simbajon (shot put), and Pialago (400m freestyle), further strengthening Bohol’s medal haul.
Athletes from the Tagbilaran City Division also made their mark in swimming, with Elisha Vean Olaivar and Luis Jurado clinching gold medals in the 1,500-meter freestyle (secondary girls and boys, respectively).
Anna Ofelia Medado added a bronze in the same event.
Pride of Bohol
Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado lauded the athletes and their coaches for bringing pride to the province, highlighting their achievements as a testament to Bohol’s commitment to sports development.
Ahead of the competition, the provincial government allocated P15.3 million from its Special Education Fund to support the delegation’s preparation and participation.
