Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association Meet Concludes with Celebration and Awards
The 22nd Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) Meet officially concluded on Saturday, April 11, with a vibrant closing ceremony held in Isabela City, Basilan province. The event served as a powerful showcase of sportsmanship, unity, and regional pride among all participating delegations, marking the successful culmination of days of intense athletic competition.
Inspiring Messages Highlight Closing Ceremony
One of the program's most memorable moments was the keynote address delivered by former national volleyball player Gretchen Ho. She captivated the audience with a powerful message centered on resilience, determination, and the transformative power of sports in shaping young lives. Ho emphasized that true victory extends beyond mere winning to encompass giving one's absolute best in every endeavor.
She also shared her positive reflections on the peaceful and progressive atmosphere in Basilan, highlighting the profound significance of unity and the collective efforts that have made such an environment possible for events like the ZPRAA Meet.
Echoing these themes of inspiration and unity, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman reflected on the shared journey of the past days. She emphasized how Isabela City had become a welcoming home to all delegations, describing the event as a collective experience filled with joy, excitement, challenges, and profound inspiration.
The mayor further underscored the remarkable talent, discipline, and determination demonstrated by the young athletes throughout the competition. She stressed the vital role of continued support from local government units and various stakeholders in nurturing their potential and helping them achieve excellence.
Formal Turnover and Awarding Ceremonies
A significant symbolic moment during the ceremony was the formal turnover of hosting responsibilities for the 2027 ZPRAA Meet to Zamboanga del Norte. This act represented continuity and a sustained commitment to regional athletic development across the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The program then proceeded to one of its most anticipated segments—the awarding of special citations and major recognitions. These awards honored the outstanding performances of delegations, schools, and individual athletes who excelled during the competition.
Special Category Awards and Recognitions
In the special category awards, several delegations were recognized for their exceptional efforts beyond athletic performance:
- Best Billeting Quarters: Pagadian City Division Athletic Association (1st), Zamboanga del Norte-Dipolog-Dapitan (Zandidaa) (2nd), Zamboanga Sibugay Athletic Association (3rd).
- Best Cleanest, Greenest, and Eco-Friendly Delegation: Pagadian City (1st), Zandidaa (2nd), Zamboanga Sibugay (3rd).
- Best Functional Learner Rights and Protection (LRP) Desk: Zamboanga del Sur (1st), Isabela City (2nd), Zamboanga Sibugay (3rd).
- Best Disciplined Delegation: Isabela City (1st), Sulu Province (2nd), Zamboanga del Sur (3rd).
- Best in Saludo: Zamboanga del Sur (1st), Zamboanga Sibugay (2nd), Isabela City (3rd).
- Best in Uniform: Isabela City (1st), Sulu (2nd), Zamboanga del Sur (3rd).
Medal Standings and Overall Championship
The competition results revealed clear dominance by several delegations across different categories:
- Para Games: Zamboanga City (champion), Zamboanga del Sur (2nd), Zandidaa (3rd).
- Regular Sports Elementary Division: Zamboanga City (champion), Zamboanga del Sur (2nd), Zandidaa (3rd).
- Secondary Division: Zamboanga City (champion), Zandidaa (2nd), Zamboanga del Sur (3rd).
Cementing its athletic supremacy, Zamboanga City was declared the overall champion of the 22nd ZPRAA Meet. The final overall standings placed Zandidaa in second position, followed by Zamboanga del Sur, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Sibugay, Isabela City, and the Sulu Division.
Individual and Institutional Excellence
Outstanding individual athletes and schools received special recognition for their exceptional performances:
- Most Bemedaled Athlete, Elementary Division: Maria Faustina Tan of Sta. Maria Central Elementary School, Zamboanga City, who won six gold medals in gymnastics.
- Most Bemedaled Athlete, Secondary Division: Joe Marcus Gangoso of Baliwasan Senior High School Stand Alone, who secured seven gold medals in swimming.
- Most Bemedaled School, Elementary Division: Sta. Maria Central School, Zamboanga City, with 12 gold, 9 silver, and 8 bronze medals.
- Most Bemedaled School, Secondary Division: Zamboanga del Norte National High School (representing Zandidaa), with an impressive haul of 29 gold, 22 silver, and 16 bronze medals.
The closing ceremony not only celebrated athletic excellence but also recognized the collective effort, discipline, and spirit of camaraderie that defined ZPRAA 2026. The event left a lasting legacy of inspiration for all participants, reinforcing the values of sportsmanship and regional unity that will continue to shape future competitions.
