By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negros Occidental’s Murcia town is gaining momentum heading into the 2026 Palarong Pambansa after its student-athletes delivered an impressive performance in the Negros Island Region Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) in Bacolod City.
Bannering the town’s campaign was the Murcia Open Bible Christian Academy, which ruled the secondary boys volleyball tournament while representing Negros Occidental.
The team, coached by Gilbert Tandoy with assistant Ronelo Borromeo, also swept major individual awards, including Most Valuable Player honors for Kristoff Tequillo.
Murcia also stamped its class in the elementary division as Don AR Montelibano Elementary School captured titles in both baseball (boys) and softball (girls), further boosting the town’s gold medal haul.
In individual events, swimmer Anyssa Joyce Diga of Minoyan Elementary School emerged as one of the region’s top performers with seven medals, including four golds in the 50-meter and 100-m freestyle, and in the 4×50-m and 4×100-m freestyle relays.
She also added three silver medals in backstroke and freestyle events.
Additional gold medals came from Mikan Moncada in sepak takraw and wrestlers Joven Olindang and April Jhon Sustento, underscoring Murcia’s depth across multiple disciplines.
Arnisador Rainer de Jesus contributed a silver medal, while Michael Angelo Alintana and Princess Lyka Lastre bagged bronze in modern standard dancesport.
The strong results have positioned several Murciahanon athletes as key members of Negros Occidental’s delegation to the Palarong Pambansa set from May 24 to 31 in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
Some silver medalists are also expected to serve as alternates.
Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas said the town is confident its athletes can carry their NIRAAM form onto the national stage.
“Warmest congratulations to our athletes and their parents, and also to the coaches and supporters! We are proud of what our athletes have achieved! We recognize the discipline and hard work which you have invested to excel in your chosen field of sports. May your continued efforts and training propel you to greater heights in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2026,” Rojas said.
With a mix of championship teams and standout individual performers, Murcia is eyeing a competitive showing as it sends its bets to one of the country’s premier youth sporting events./ASC, WDJ