75 stories
Student-athletes across South Cotabato gathered at the Norala Sports Complex on September 9 for the opening of the 2026 South Cotabato Provincial Athletic Association Meet. Schools Division Superintendent Leonardo M. Balala formally opened the multi-day sports event, which serves as a qualifier for regional and national meets.
Six-year-old Solana Aislah “Daday” Ayco of Valencia City, Bukidnon, captured four gold and two silver medals at the 3rd Asian Open Schools Swimming Championships in Bangkok, Thailand. Training under Lemmoda Aqua Gliders, the young athlete also established a new tournament record in the 25-meter butterfly event.
The LaNorte Autobots of Maigo National High School in Lanao del Norte secured fourth place overall at the 5th Robolution Manila 2026. Bringing home four medals and an innovation award, the team demonstrated that high-level robotics skills can be built using low-cost classroom materials and creative problem-solving.
Student-athletes representing the City Government of Koronadal hauled 12 medals—including four golds—at the 2026 SMART MVPSF R12A Regional Inter-School Taekwondo Championships in Tacurong City. The Koronadal Defenders Taekwondo Central Gym team excelled in both kyorugi and poomsae events following rigorous strategy training.
Student-athletes from Cagayan de Oro bagged three gold medals at the National Taekwondo Interschool Competition at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. Representing Merry Child School and Invictus Taekwondo Gym, gold medalists Khate Trixie Bacor, Ehjay Ezekiel Fabria, and Cris Justine Fabria led the city’s strong grassroots delegation.
Two young swimmers from Bukidnon captured eight medals at the 3rd Asian Open Schools Invitational Short Course Swimming Championships in Bangkok, Thailand. Six-year-old Solana Aislah Ayco of Valencia City led the tally with four golds and a new tournament record, while Malaybalay's Julia Lois Palo secured two silvers.
Cagayan de Oro’s Sayaw Movement Studio captured gold and secured second place overall in the ballet ensemble division at the national MNL Dance Prix in Taguig City. Overcoming a last-minute injury hours before performance time, the team proved the strength and adaptability of Northern Mindanao’s performing arts community.
Cagayan de Oro karatekas secured 23 medals at the 3rd JKA Philippines International Gasshuku and Tournament held at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium in Davao City. Featuring six gold medals, the strong performance showcased the local delegation’s depth in both kata and kumite disciplines.
About 2,500 top taekwondo athletes are gathering at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Sept. 5-6 for the 2026 PTA Best of the Best Taekwondo Championships. Featuring both Kyorugi and Poomsae disciplines, the tournament serves as a key selection platform for athletes aiming for the national pool.
Three young swimmers from General Santos City captured 11 medals at the 3rd Asian Open Schools Invitational Short Course Swimming Championships in Bangkok, Thailand. Led by six-year-old Elyannah Marinelli’s six gold medals, the group’s performance highlights the growing potential of Mindanao’s grassroots sports programs on the international stage.
Cagayan de Oro chess standout WIM Ruelle Canino is competing for the top spot at the 2026 Philippine National Women’s Invitational Chess Championship in Alicia, Isabela. The round-robin event serves as a final tune-up for Canino and national teammates before the upcoming World Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.
Student researchers from Acelo C. Badelles Sr. Memorial High School in Iligan City bagged Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards at Science Castle Asia 2026 in Malaysia. Led by Leishlyn M. Lucero's gold-winning water-testing device W.I.S.E.F.L.O.W., the teams showcased inventions targeting local water safety, health, and accessibility needs.