By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Negros Island Region (NIR) Visayan Vipers continued their strong campaign in the Palarong Pambansa 2026 after collecting medals in athletics and swimming events at the Democrito O. Plaza Sports Complex in Agusan del Sur.

Kristine Joy Bilbao led the charge for the region after capturing the gold medal in the secondary girls shot put event.

Bilbao delivered the longest throw of the competition to finish on top of the field and add another gold to the Visayan Vipers’ growing medal tally.

A bronze medal also came from athletics after Psalm Euxene Pampag placed third in the secondary girls 400-meter run.

Pampag produced a strong finish in the one-lap race to reach the podium.

In swimming, Sofia Ysabela Secuelan also struck gold after ruling the elementary girls 100-m backstroke event.

The St. John’s Institute swimmer improved on her seed time of 1:13.98 and clocked a personal-best 1:11.79 in the finals to secure first place.

Secuelan’s victory further strengthened the region’s campaign in the swimming competitions of the national sporting event.

The Visayan Vipers also earned a bronze medal through Maxene Hayley Uy in the secondary girls 100-m backstroke.

Uy stayed close to the frontrunners throughout the race before finishing third at the Aquatic Center.

The latest medal performances boosted the Visayan Vipers’ standing as competitions continue in the annual national meet./ASC, WDJ