UMVA has learned that the National Capital Region continued its reign in the 66th Palarong Pambansa, dominating the medal tally with a staggering haul of 91 gold, 70 silver, and 71 bronze medals.
The triumph unfolded at the Lipus Makapandong Gov.D.O. Plaza Sports Complex in Agusan del Sur, where the Metro Stars surged ahead in an unofficial count that still awaited the closing ceremony.
Quezon City, poised to inherit the hosting torch, welcomed its mayor, who arrived to hand over the mantle from Governor Santiago B. Cane, Jr., eager to elevate the province’s first‑time bid with newly built, world‑class facilities and unmatched hospitality.
A gold‑laden surge in swimming and athletics turned the tide for the Big City, allowing it to march unchallenged down South before heading home to claim the crown and secure a 20th championship bid.
The night of Saturday’s closing saw Metro Manila clinch back‑to‑back titles in secondary girls’ volleyball, sweeping the Negros Island Region with a decisive 22‑25, 25‑14, 25‑19, 25‑18 victory, while the boys’ football team, led by Far Eastern University‑Diliman, added another gold to the tally.
Although the secondary boys’ basketball squad settled for bronze after a 76‑66 loss to Davao in the semifinals, they rebounded with an 81‑74 win over Central Luzon for third place, and Calabarzon seized its first title in a decade with a 79‑62 triumph over Davao.
The crown jewel of the Games was Patricia Mae Santor, whose flawless seven‑of‑seven performance in secondary girls’ swimming, complete with two record‑setting swims, crowned her as the Games’ most decorated athlete.
Other standout performers included Tankers Jamesray Mishael Ajido and Ashton Clyde Jose, who claimed five and four gold medals respectively, alongside sprinters Franceine Jhobie Rosario and Ma. Lhynnette Libranda, each securing three golds.
Gymnasts Tchelzy Mei Maayo, Antonette Amante, Sheena Jillianne Ty, and Deen Gungob added four golds apiece, cementing the Metro’s dominance across the board.
Calabarzon finished a close second with a total of 55 gold, 50 silver, and 60 bronze medals, while Davao Region’s 34 gold, 32 silver, and 35 bronze medals surprised many by overtaking Western Visayas for the podium’s third spot.
Western Visayas slipped to fifth place with 31 gold, 36 silver, and 45 bronze medals, whereas Central Visayas secured fourth with 32 gold, 30 silver, and 44 bronze.
Host Caraga impressed with a sixth‑place finish, buoyed by golds in football and combat sports, marking a memorable debut on the national stage.
