Manila: Western Visayas is setting its sights on clinching the overall championship and defending two national records as its delegation heads to the 2024 Palarong Pambansa, set for May 24 to June 1 in Ilocos Norte. Hernani Escullar Jr., spokesperson for the Department of Education in Western Visayas (DepEd VI), said the region is determined to improve its third-place finish in 2023, a notch lower compared with its second-place finish in 2022.

According to Philippines News Agency, this year marks a unique participation for Western Visayas as they still have athletes from Negros Occidental included in the delegation. Beginning next year, these athletes will form part of the new Negros Island Region (NIR) and compete separately. The Western Visayas delegation comprises 608 athletes, 88 coaches, 24 assistant coaches, 40 chaperones, seven members of the management committee, 43 oversight members, and 195 members of the technical working group.

The region is also focused on defending its record achievements. They have two record holders in swimming and javelin throw from last year and are hopeful to add more. Western Visayas set a new record for the 4x50 meters freestyle relay for secondary girls. However, only two of the four athletes from last year will be joining this 2025, namely Juliana Dejilla from St. La Salle, Bacolod City, and Julia Sohlen Orada from Pavia National High School in Iloilo.

In addition, Charles Daniel Turla from Gines Quinolpan Elementary School in Iloilo achieved a new record for javelin throw at the elementary level. Furthermore, Bacolod Tay Tung High School will attempt to defend its championship crown for volleyball secondary girls, having clinched the title since 2023.

The delegation departed Iloilo on May 17 and arrived at San Nicolas National High School in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, their billeting venue, on May 19.