Manila: An athlete from Eastern Visayas captured the first gold medal of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in the athletics 3,000-meter track event for secondary girls on Monday morning. Chrisia Mae Tajarros, 14, emerged victorious in the event, successfully defending her title after winning the same gold medal during the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tajarros expressed her dedication to the sport, stating, "I trained for nearly a year to prepare for this year's Palaro," during an interview after her win. She extended her gratitude to the region's officials, her training team, school officials, and her coach for their support.

Fellow Eastern Visayas athlete Angel Lumacang bagged the silver medal, while Charlene Cos from the Davao Region secured the bronze. Aside from athletics, competitions in other sports events also began on Monday, including baseball, chess, boxing, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, and the Paragames.