Manila: The National Capital Region (NCR) once again emerged as the overall champion in the 65th Palarong Pambansa, closing the weeklong sporting event with an impressive haul of 117 gold, 70 silver, and 50 bronze medals. According to Philippines News Agency, the NCR's gold medal achievements were highlighted by 36 in gymnastics and 19 in swimming. Notable contributions came from athletes Titus Rafael Sia and Sophia Rose Garra, who each secured seven golds in the elementary division, and Patricia Mae Santor, who achieved five golds in the secondary division. Calabarzon secured second place overall with a total of 47 gold medals, which included significant accomplishments in chess, earning 12 golds, and swimming, with 11 golds. The region also collected 68 silver and 66 bronze medals. Western Visayas claimed third place with 44 gold medals, driven by victories in elementary girls' softball and secondary boys' baseball. Davao Region finished fourth, amassing 43 gold medals, particularly excelling in dancespo rt with 14 golds, and securing titles in elementary boys' football and volleyball, as well as secondary boys' 5x5 basketball. Northern Mindanao completed the top five with 31 gold medals, including nine in arnis. The top 10 was rounded out by Central Luzon (29-25-36), Central Visayas (25-32-52), Caraga (21-20-43), Cordillera Region (17-13-11), and Eastern Visayas (16-17-21), which also celebrated the tournament's first gold, achieved by Chrisia Mae Tajerros in the secondary girls' 3,000m run. Other rankings included Soccsksargen (15-25-36), Ilocos Region (13-16-27), Bicol Region (6-9-31), National Sports Academy (6-2-6), Cagayan Valley (4-11-18), Mimaropa (4-6-5), Zamboanga Peninsula (3-17-14), and BARMM (2-3-5).