By I. Inojales | 09:05 AM June 01, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Boholano student-athletes made a strong showing at the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, contributing significantly to Region VII-Central Visayas’ medal haul during the weeklong national sporting event held in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31.
Competing against the country’s best young athletes, the Bohol delegation earned medals across several disciplines, including athletics, chess, swimming, football, arnis, badminton, weightlifting, and wushu.
Leading the province’s medal winners was distance-running sensation Jhul Ian Cañalita of Garcia-Hernandez, who captured two gold medals in the Secondary Boys 5,000-meter run and 3,000-meter steeplechase events.
Cañalita also rewrote the Palarong Pambansa record books, setting a new mark of 15 minutes and 15.22 seconds in the 5,000-meter run and establishing a new record of 9 minutes and 11.40 seconds in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.
Additional gold medals for Bohol came from Gwen Diaz of Mater Dei College-Tubigon in the high jump event, KC Mae Gamayon of Valencia in arnis, and Kristina Concepcion Belano of Calape National High School, who helped secure two gold medals for the Central Visayas chess team events.
Several Boholano athletes also earned silver medals. Among them were weightlifter Anthony Jodel Acierda of Garcia-Hernandez, swimmer Louis Armani Amoy of Tubigon, and swimmer Ann Emmanuelle “Babosh” Gallego of Loon.
The Region VII Elementary Football Team, composed primarily of athletes from Bohol, also secured a silver medal finish. The squad included 18 players from Garcia Central Elementary School, two from Alicia Central Elementary School, and one from Sierra Bullones Central Elementary School.
Bronze medals were won by Dayne Glanz Cesar of Loay in badminton; Kevin Shyros Batolanon of San Miguel and Adam Kiamko of Guindulman in wushu sanda; Justin Madelo of Garcia-Hernandez in walkathon; Earl Zander Galiposo of Valencia in the 400-meter dash; Mae Ann Bacaron of Talibon in the 100-meter hurdles; and Gallego in the 100-meter breaststroke.
The Bohol delegation’s participation in the national games was supported through a partnership between the Provincial Government of Bohol and the Department of Education-Bohol Province.
Through the Special Education Fund administered by the Provincial School Board, chaired by Governor Aris Aumentado, each of the 161 members of the Bohol delegation received P4,500 in assistance. The beneficiaries included 132 athletes, 23 coaches, and six volunteer trainers.
Provincial officials said the achievements of the Boholano athletes reflect the province’s continuing investment in youth development and sports excellence under its Strategic Governance Roadmap.
The medal-winning performances also underscored Bohol’s growing reputation in grassroots sports development, with young athletes continuing to bring honor to the province and raise the banner of the Bohol Island Geopark on the national stage.
