Central Visayas bets dominate 2025 PRISAA Games weightlifting

TUGUEGARAO CITY — Central Visayas proved its weightlifting prowess, with John Michael Banogon (Cebu) and Dave Angelo Pacaldo (Bohol) leading the pack in the men's and boys' 58kg event at the 2025 PRISAA National Games in Tuguegarao City.Banogon, 20, claimed three medals after achieving a total lift of 185kg, comprising 80kg in snatch and 105kg in clean and jerk.He outperformed Sherwin Lumatao (General Santos City) and Leerenz Tindaan (Baguio City), who finished with totals of 180kg and 166kg, earning silver and bronze medals.Banogon was surprised by his success in the 105kg clean and jerk, given the strong performance of Lumatao, who had lifted 80kg in snatch and 100kg in clean and jerk. The tight scores made the competition even more intense."First, I am happy, and I was very nervous. In my last attempt, I was really jittery because I know my opponent is also strong, but I said God got me," the Cebuano lifter told The Manila Times in Filipino. "Also, whenever I train, I don't usually clear 100kg. I feel like I just cleared it out because of luck. Now that I have cleared 105kg, I am really happy. My personal best is just 100kg. I am really shocked that I got 105kg," he added. Pacaldo, a 16-year-old national team member, stunned the crowd in the juniors' division with his remarkable weightlifting abilities.His small but muscular frame belied his strength, as he successfully lifted a total of 225kg, comprising 105kg in snatch and 110kg in clean and jerk."I am doing the best I can. I started lifting in 2016, and my best was 128kg. I really trusted myself and my coach. It was not as smooth, the training is really difficult, and I was nervous in the competition," he said in Filipino. Meanwhile, Renzo Catulay of Bacolod City finished gold after clocking in 50.3 seconds in the men's 400-meter dash, only a few point seconds away from Harrison Coloma of Pampanga City (50.7), and Kinjay Bordamante of Capiz City (51.4). The women's category witnessed Ruby Lorete of Zambales crossing the finish line first with a total time of 1:01.4 seconds, while Doreen Omongos of South Cotabato (1:01.7), and Mary Ann Delos Reyes of Region I (1.02.1), took the silver and bronze medals, apiece. Quick as a flash, Jumar Torremocha of Cebu landed his foot at the right time to clinch a gold medal in the 110m men's hurdles with 15.3 seconds, as Kier Winrich Ponpon, who is also from Cebu (15.4) settled for silver with just a few inches away. John Paul Balsote completed the podium with a time of 15.5 seconds. Angelie B Teorima of Pangasinan City (14.6) copped the gold, while Monica Belandres of Capix City (15.2), and Jennifer Hudierez of Bacolod City (15.5), snatched the silver and bronze finish, accordingly. The 5,000 meter race was also conquered by Angel Mae Saysay of Baguio City (19:35.8), out-running Central Visayas' runners Michelle Zamora (19.57,8), and Cherry Andrin (20:05.2). Matt Attanas of Iloilo City threw the ball 12.0 meters away to clinch the gold in shot put men's division, making Prince Lebaste of Baguio City (11.78 m), Leandro Pecate of Sorsogon City (11.67m), end up with a silver and bronze, respectively. As of writing, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) leads the medal haul with 11 medals and a 6-3-2 gold-silver-bronze collection in the seniors' division, while Region XII trails behind with three golds, four silvers, and three bronzes. Region XI has a 1-6-2 on its belt.