The City Government of Davao assured Palarong Pambansa-bound Davao City athletes and coaches of its support following their overall championship victory in the 2023 Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City, Davao del Norte over the weekend.
Davao City successfully defended its overall title after hauling a total of 174 gold medals, 111 silvers, and 85 bronzes.
The city, thus, stretched its reign in the regional sportsfest for elementary and secondary athletes, which was held in full face-to-face for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020.
Sports Development Division of the City Mayor’s Office (SDD-CMO) officer-in-charge Mikey Aportadera, in an interview with Department of Education (Deped) Davao City’s DC News, aired on its Facebook page, lauded the recent feat of the city’s delegation.
“What you see with the manifestation of so many medals is the effect of their hearts telling them to play their best so I’m very happy with the outcome,” he said.
Aportadera, who went to Tagum to cheer the Dabawenyo athletes, said the city government will continue to support them.
“Just the same how we supported our athletes in the past, we make sure that every athlete stands proud to be a Dabawenyo athlete,” the city sports chief said. “I’m very happy, so proud of Dabawenyo athletes. My heart is full and I’m very much supportive of whatever endeavor they will do in the future.”
Host Tagum City settled for the runner-up honors with a 62-55-69 medal count followed by Davao del Norte (41-38-60) in third; Digos City (21-26-25) fourth; Panabo City (20-40-51) fifth; Davao de Oro (17-36-49) sixth, Davao del Sur (17-26-23) seventh; Davao Occidental (12-11-36) eighth; Mati City (5-9-28) ninth; Igacos (5-9-13) 10th; and Davao Oriental (3-15-16) 11th.
Meanwhile, Deped Davao City Schools Division Superintendent Reynante A. Solitario, CESO VI thanked Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte for his support to the delegation.
“Mayor, thank you so much for your support to the Davao Durians. We’ll make sure to bring more gold from the Palarong Pambansa,” Solitario said.
He also congratulated the city’s athletes and coaches for their feats. He expressed his delight and admiration for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their sport, which paid off in the form of outstanding accomplishments.
“Your success is not only a reflection of your skills, but also a testament to the support you have received from your coaches, teammates, family, and friends. You have inspired and motivated others to pursue their passions and strive for excellence in their endeavors,” he said in his message posted on DepEd’s Davao City Facebook.
Solitario reminded the athletes who failed to qualify in the Palarong Pambansa that they are all winners in their own right. Their participation in the event and dedication to their sport is already an achievement, and they should use this experience as motivation to work harder and improve their skills.
“Success is not just about winning, but also about learning from your mistakes and growing as an individual,” Solitario said. “Continue to pursue your passions, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and never give up on your dreams.”
The Palarong Pambansa is scheduled on July 29 to August 5 in Marikina City.
However, regional champions in football, baseball, basketball, sepak takraw, futsal, and volleyball will compete in the new tier Pre-National Qualifying Meet, aimed at reducing delegation expenses, lessening the number of delegations, and shortening the competition period while maintaining the level of play.
Davao Region is grouped in Cluster 4 with Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and Barmm. CIO
