CAGAYAN de Oro City — Lupon’s Green Warriors dominated the Davao Oriental Provincial Athletic Meet 2026, winning the overall championship across the Elementary, Secondary, and Paralympics divisions. 

The delegation brought home 175 medals — 80 gold, 59 silver, and 36 bronze — to finish on top of the province-wide competition hosted by Cateel. 

Lupon Mayor Santos “Sonny” Q. Alonzo Jr. credited the athletes’ discipline, teamwork and determination for the strong finish. 

“Every race completed, every point earned, and every medal won brought honor to our municipality,” Alonzo said.

 The meet gathered student-athletes from across Davao Oriental, with Cateel Mayor Emilou C. Nuñez welcoming the delegations and encouraging athletes to compete with pride and sportsmanship. 

“Padayon mi nga mosuporta, mopakpak, ug mohatag og inspirasyon sa matag atleta,” Nuñez said. 

More than medals 

For some athletes, the provincial meet was also a milestone in their sporting journey. 

Zyrene Zabala, an Arnis athlete from Lupon Vocational High School, said representing her school and district in her final competition was an emotional experience. 

She also credited her mother for supporting her throughout her athletic journey. 

“It’s an overwhelming feeling po nga naa ko karon diri, representing not just my school but also our whole district,” Zabala said. 

DepEd Region XI Chief Education Supervisor Dr. Warlito E. Hua reminded athletes that success is not measured by medals alone. 

He said true champions also show respect for their opponents and the determination to rise after setbacks. 

Gold across sports 

Lupon’s championship run came from strong performances in several events. 

In archery, Maryknoll School of Lupon athletes Alexandra Carlene N. Maquilan, Jashmen M. Caysido and Marian Angel E. Getes collected individual and team gold medals. 

The Arnis team, led by Anthoneth N. Candido and Keilshy Azil T. Quimbo, also dominated their respective weight categories. 

In track and field, Ren Mark Aplacador and Alvie Angoling won the 100-meter dash titles in the Elementary Boys and Girls divisions. 

DAVRAA qualifiers Joshua Roxas and Mhay Joy Alingbas also helped lead Lupon’s Taekwondo team to gold-medal finishes. 

For Lupon, the haul of medals capped a provincial meet marked not only by competition, but also by the determination of young athletes to represent their schools and community.