Davao's Pencak Silat Team Intensifies Training for Palarong Pambansa 2026
The Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Eagles pencak silat team is gearing up for a powerful showing at the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2026. Led by members from the Davao City Durians team of Crossing Bayabas National High School, this squad has resumed full training sessions, sharpening their skills in both combat (tanding) and artistic (seni) events.
Dominant Performance in Regional Meet
In February 2026, the team showcased their prowess at the Davraa Meet held in Tagum City, securing an impressive haul of 15 gold medals and one bronze. This dominant performance has set high expectations as they prepare for the national stage.
After a brief hiatus due to end-of-school-year activities, the athletes have returned to the mat with renewed vigor. Coaches are now prioritizing weight management and conditioning, critical aspects in combat sports like pencak silat.
Structured Training and Technique Refinement
Based at Crossing Bayabas National High School in Toril, the team has transitioned from weeks of self-conditioning back to structured training. Current sessions focus on refining jurus (forms), enhancing langkah (footwork), and improving timing during sparring exercises.
Coach Stephanie Aballe-Hefervez emphasized the importance of monitoring athletes' weight, stating, "As usual for combat sports, weight is the first thing we monitor. After the busy end-of-school-year rites, the athletes took a short rest."
Building on Past Success
Davao's campaign is bolstered by previous achievements at the Palarong Pambansa. In Ilocos Norte, the team earned one gold and three bronze medals, while their Cebu campaign yielded one gold and four bronze medals. Despite facing stiff competition from other regions, the coaching staff remains optimistic about their chances.
"We pray that we will bring medals again," said Aballe-Hefervez. She noted that competition is particularly fierce in individual combat events, while artistic categories require precision and synchronization. "In pencak silat, different regions have top players since combat is an individual event. In artistic events, Aklan stands out so far."
Spotlight on Key Athlete Glydel Joi B. Lonzon
Among the standout performers is Grade 11 athlete Glydel Joi B. Lonzon, a returning bronze medalist who enters this year's meet with strong momentum. At the 2026 Davraa Meet, she clinched three gold medals, though she faced challenges with weight management.
"It was my third Davraa this year, and it felt tougher than the previous ones, especially when it came to my weight," Lonzon shared. "But thankfully, when we arrived in Tagum, I was able to manage it."
Lonzon will compete in Category D (tanding) and in seni events, including tunggal and regu. She transitioned from arnis to pencak silat at age 13, crediting her growth to discipline and guidance from her uncle, who encouraged her to try the sport.
"At first, it was hard to adjust, especially with my kicks and movements. But the more I trained, the more I fell in love with the sport," she recalled.
Aspiring to Inspire the Next Generation
Beyond aiming for medals, Lonzon hopes to leave a lasting legacy by inspiring young athletes. "I want to leave a legacy by inspiring the youth in sports," she expressed.
As the Palarong Pambansa approaches, the Davao Eagles pencak silat team continues to fine-tune their techniques and conditioning. With a blend of experienced coaching and dedicated athletes, they are poised to deliver a strong performance on the national stage, aiming to build on their regional success and make their mark in Philippine sports.
