LAOAG CITY – Eastern Visayas’ Chrisia Mae Tajarros made a dazzling start to the 65th Palarong Pambansa after capturing the first gold medal of the athletics competition on Monday (26 May 2025) at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. Memorial Stadium.

The 13-year-old distance runner from Tanauan National High School in Leyte dominated the secondary girls’ 3000-meter run, clocking an impressive 10 minutes and 18.6 seconds. Her commanding performance left Mary Mae Magbanua of Caraga (10:48.4) and Nathalei Faye Miguel of Ilocos Region (10:50.4) to settle for silver and bronze, respectively.

“The training paid off—every sacrifice I made each day led to this moment,” said Tajarros, who has her sights set on representing the country in international competitions. “I won’t stop chasing that dream.”

Eastern Visayas continued its golden run as Efosa John Paul Aguinaldo triumphed in the secondary boys’ long jump. Aguinaldo, 17, from Hindang Stand Alone Senior High School, also in Leyte, edged MJ Lloyd Lora of Calabarzon despite both recording a jump of 6.90 meters. Aguinaldo clinched the title by virtue of a superior second-best jump (6.83m), compared to Lora’s 6.59m. Central Luzon’s Jester Renz Robedizo settled for bronze.

In the elementary boys’ long jump, Northern Mindanao celebrated its first gold medal thanks to Khint Gimarangan of Valencia City, Bukidnon. Gimarangan leapt 5.50 meters, narrowly defeating Zamboanga Peninsula’s Dave Jhon Lumanao (5.49m) and Caraga’s Raymund Roy Carmona (5.45m).

Calabarzon also made its mark in field events. Sam Garcia, a 12-year-old from Tuy, Batangas, seized the gold in the elementary girls’ discus throw with a strong 33.97-meter heave. Caraga’s Shanee Miep Guillarte claimed silver with 30.96 meters, while NCR’s Rhian Angela Encomienda earned bronze (30.90m).

In the secondary girls’ discus throw, Bicol Region’s Courtney Jewel Trangia led the podium, followed by NCR’s Heart Duarte and Baby Gryll Alforo.

Meanwhile, in weightlifting, Calabarzon’s Matthew Diaz—nephew of Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz—captured the gold in the secondary boys’ 48kg category. Diaz lifted 73kg in the snatch and 93kg in the clean and jerk to defeat Generosmel Cortez of Zamboanga Peninsula and Rayney Joy Espina of NCR.