An elementary jumper from Zamboanga Peninsula held the distinction of being the first-ever gold medal winner in this year’s Palarong Pambansa on Monday afternoon at the PhilSports Track Oval in Pasig City.
Giethyl Daze Lubguban, 12, emerged on top in the elementary girls high jump event with a leap of 1.40 meters to defeat 23 other participants from the 17 regions.
Lubguban, who is currently in Grade 6 in her hometown, became emotional upon clinching the gold medal, which she dedicated to her overseas Filipino worker father.
“Sabi ni papa kapag ma-first ako sir, proud na proud siya sa’kin,” said Lubguban, who was not accompanied by her father in the competition due to his work in Taiwan.
Brieyanna Nichole Camacho from Tarlac settled for the silver medal with her 1.37-meter leap, while Shanelle Jane Felomino took home the bronze with her 1.34-meter performance.
Meanwhile, Sean Harry Narag kicked off the National Capital Region’s bid for its 17th consecutive overall championship with a gold medal in the secondary boys’ pole vault event.
Narag, a Grade 12 student from the University of Sto. Tomas posted a personal best of 3.90 meters, while teammate Mejen Sumbongan recorded 3.80 meters for a 1-2 finish for NCR.
Eumar Mamogay, from Bayawan City in Negros Oriental, captured the bronze medal in the competition with a 3.30-meter clearance.
