Laoag: This city is set to hold a victory party for its athletes on Saturday for retaining the overall championship in the recently concluded Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) meet in Bacnotan, La Union.

According to Philippines News Agency, the city's 507 athletes bagged 82 gold, 85 silver, and 56 bronze medals in the multi-event competition. Laoag City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Joanne Corpuz stated that this achievement demonstrates that a small division like theirs can perform as well as, or even better than, larger ones.

Dr. Corpuz attributed the success of the city's athletes to the full support of the city government, as well as the coaches, local and national trainers, and other stakeholders and benefactors. Laoag was recognized as the best performing delegation in sports such as arnis, gymnastics, taekwondo, wushu, wrestling, pencak silat, and boxing in this year's R1AA.

Hipolito Salva, the city sports development officer, highlighted "hard work, commitment, and focus" as the key factors behind the athletes' success. The victory party is scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. at the Ilocos Norte National High School gymnasium.

In an effort to further enhance the performance of local athletes, the city government has allocated approximately PHP15 million for the development of a track field and other sports facilities. The budget also includes provisions for the formation of the Laoag City Sports Development Council for the 15 clustered villages, to be led by sports coordinators from the Department of Education Schools Division.

Currently, the athletes are preparing for the Palarong Pambansa tournament, which will be held in Ilocos Norte in May.