By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Para swimmer Zach Lucas Obsioma emerged as one of the standout performers of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa after capturing two gold medals in the para swimming competition.

Representing the Negros Island Region (NIR), the Negros Occidental’s Cadiz City native topped two events during the week-long national meet in Agusan del Sur, which concluded yesterday.

Obsioma’s strong showing against the country’s leading young para-athletes helped boost the medal campaign of the newly formed NIR delegation.

The double-gold haul placed him among the top achievers in the Para Games program of this year’s Palarong Pambansa, the country’s largest grassroots sports competition for student-athletes.

His victories also underscored the continued growth of para sports in the region, with Negros athletes making their presence felt on the national stage.

The annual Palarong Pambansa gathered thousands of athletes from across the Philippines, showcasing emerging talents in various sports disciplines and serving as a platform for future national team prospects.

Obsioma’s achievement adds another milestone for Cadiz City sports, highlighting the city’s contribution to the development of promising athletes in the country./ASC, WDJ