Legazpi City: A delegate from the Masbate province team won the first gold medal at Palarong Bicol 2025, the Department of Education in Bicol (DepEd-5) said on Tuesday. Marjorie Adovas, a fifth grader from Cadulan Elementary School in Dimasalang, clinched the gold medal in the elementary girls' long jump event on Monday afternoon, securing her spot in the national competition.
According to Philippines News Agency, the silver medal was awarded to a delegate from Camarines Sur, while Sorsogon province took home the bronze medal. In an interview on Tuesday, Adovas expressed gratitude to her family and coaches for their support and patience during her training. "I also want to go to other countries to win," she said. The 12-year-old athlete dedicated her achievement to her family and promised to give her best at the Palarong Pambansa.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Maria Cristina Baroso, DepEd-5 project development officer, said all athletes qualifying for Palarong Pambansa 2025 in Ilocos Norte, scheduled from May 24 to June 2, will undergo regional concentration training. "We will conduct regional training hopefully in a strategically chosen division before departing for Ilocos Norte. There will be five to six days of concentration training provided by the regional office for all those participating in the Palarong Pambansa," she said.
Baroso stated that Bicol aims to defend its title in the long jump for elementary, as they also won gold in this category last year at the Palarong Pambansa. "This elementary long jump event is exciting because we won the gold medal in this category last year. Our athlete even broke the record with a mark of 5.8 meters, far exceeding the qualifying standard for the long jump. We have high hopes for Masbate province, as they have consistently secured gold medals in athletics," Baroso added.
As of Tuesday at 5 p.m., Legazpi City leads the overall partial and unofficial medal tally with the highest number of gold medals among 13 delegations, securing 19 golds, followed by Albay with 13, and Naga City with 10.
Legazpi City Mayor Alfredo Garbin believed the Palarong Bicol has a significant impact on the local economy and tourism industry in this city, with over 8,000 athletes, team officials, delegation officials, coaches, and chaperones now here for a week of sports activities. He said hosting Palarong Bicol 2025 has led to an increase in economic activity due to the influx of visitors.
"The hotel occupancy has surged; our hotels are fully booked, not only due to the arrival of delegates and athletes but also because many visitors, including their parents, want to accompany their children. Some who are not staying in billeting stations are also checking into hotels. Consequently, our service sectors, such as hotels, retail chains, and restaurants, are thriving," Garbin said in an interview.
Garbin said the city has a zero-tolerance policy for overpricing in transportation, warning that violators may face penalties or revocation of their franchises. He thanked various agencies, including the police, traffic management, fire department, and emergency management team, for ensuring the safety of athletes and delegates during the ongoing Palarong Bicol, which runs until March 29. "Thank you for your cooperation and dedication. This is indeed a successful and vibrant event, the most memorable Palarong Bicol we have organized here in Legazpi City," Garbin said.
He announced a PHP5,000 award for every gold medal winner from the city and PHP20,000 for gold medals earned in team sports by Legazpi athletes as an added incentive.
