No R1AA champion as winners bared

*Olympic medal system adopted

*Ilocos Norte is best host province — DepEd exec

Officials of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) and the competing 14 Schools Divisions formally closed the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet 2019 during the ceremonies held on March 11 at the President Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium in Laoag City.

The weeklong annual regional sporting event was conducted to choose student athletes who will be representing the Ilocos Region in the Palarong Pambansa, which will be held in Davao City on April 27 – May 4.

Organizers had adopted the Olympic medal system wherein no overall champion was specifically named; instead, the best delegation in each sports event was recognized.

The Schools Division of Ilocos Norte (SDOIN) collected 56 gold, 39 silver, and 61 bronze medals. It excelled in four events namely: athletics, baseball, gymnastics, and softball, landing in the top three.

In this year’s meet, Dagupan City shined in arnis, boxing, swimming, and aero gymnastics; Pangasinan II in archery, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, and wushu; Pangasinan I in basketball, billiards, taekwondo, and dance sports; Urdaneta City in sepak takraw and wrestling; La Union in futsal and bocce (special game); Laoag City in chess; Ilocos Sur in football and pencak silat; San Carlos City in laro ng lahi, and athletics and swimming (special games); Alaminos City in tennis; and Batac City in goal ball (special game).

Dagupan City garnered the most number of medals with 87 gold, 64 silver, 55 bronze, followed by Pangasinan II with 57 gold, 52 silver, and 43 bronze.

DepEd Regional Director Dr. Malcolm Garma praised Ilocos Norte as the best host province among the others that hosted the same regional sports events he had attended; citing the “spectacular” opening program, well-organized playing venues, and billeting comfort.

Senior Provincial Board Member (SPBM) Matthew Marcos Manotoc also extended his gratitude to the people behind the success of R1AA Meet, saying: “I would like to thank the DepEd for allowing the province to host the R1AA this year and I also thank all our delegations for coming and staying as a very dignified and reasonable guests here in Ilocos Norte.”

He also stressed that the delegates are “always welcome” to visit again and appreciate the beauty of Ilocos Norte. – (Blessing Angel V. Agliam, PGIN-CMO)