Cagayan de Oro: Jhonn Marc Dizon of Central Visayas defended the men's 3,000 meters steeplechase title in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games at Cagayan Sports Complex track and field stadium here. He clocked 10 minutes and 0.9 seconds to beat Ken Jay Moreto of Western Visayas (10.08.9) and Francis Michael Pueblo of Western Visayas (10.14.8).
According to Philippines News Agency, Dizon expressed his confidence and focus on the 3000m steeplechase event, attributing his success to targeted training. The 22-year-old Special Education student at the University of San Carlos in Cebu highlighted his determination to win and his high confidence level during the race. Dizon previously placed fourth in the 2023 edition hosted by Zamboanga City.
Dizon is set to compete in the 10,000m run title on Friday, facing a challenging field including fellow Cebuano Mark Mahinay, who secured the 5000m crown earlier. Dizon mentioned his preparedness and hopes to perform well in the upcoming race. Post-PRISAA National Games, he will participate in the Philippine Open scheduled from May 1 to 4 at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. Earlier this year, Dizon won the Cebu leg of the 7-Eleven 21-kilometer marathon, earning a spot on the national team for the competition in Pattaya, Thailand in July.
Meanwhile, Ken Ryzen Herrera from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) claimed the gold medal in the boys' division of the 3000m steeplechase. Herrera finished with a time of 10.30.5, besting Clark Andrew Samar of Bicol Region (10.34.2) and Kent Miles Cabasa of Western Visayas (10.45.5).
Other notable winners included Matt Atanas (men's shot put), Luis Emmanuel Sombilon (boys' shot put), and Maribell Regala (girls' long jump) from Western Visayas. Victors from CAR included John Edward Carbonell (boys' 110m hurdles), Rhain Chantal Ayesha Viado (girls' 100m hurdles), Leishen Kate Masangkay (girls' 400m), Xyndrex Chris Orinion (boys' 400m), and Angel Mae Saysay (women's 5,000m). Jumar Torremocha (men's 110m hurdles) represented Central Visayas, Angelie Teorima (women's 100m hurdles) hailed from Ilocos Region, Ruby Lorete (women's 400m) was from Central Luzon, while Renzo King Catulay (boys' 400m) and Marja Jean Bacaro (women's long jump) competed for Negros Island Region.
