Athletics powerhouse Western Visayas racked up two more gold medals to its collection in the 63rd Palarong Pambansa yesterday at the rain-drenched Marikina Sports Center in Marikina City.

The region hiked its mint haul in the medal-rich centerpiece sport to four courtesy of Jumel Dichosa and Joshua Patorara.

Dichosa leaped to the top podium in elementary boys' long jump after hitting 5.28 meters.

He edged teammate Rhain Arlanza, who settled for silver, with a 5.16m distance.

Iloilo native Patorara, on the other hand, dominated the secondary boys long jump with a 6.57m leap.

Ilocos Region bet Jasper Bedonio came in at second place with 6.56m. while Kenn Lucero of Region IV-B took bronze with a 6.24m distance.

Western Visayas also pocketed a silver in secondary girls' javelin throw delivered by Avegail Beliran.

Ana Espenilla struck gold for Region V in the event with a 42.81m throw followed by Beliran (34.45m) and Nathesia Moro (34.87m).

Palarong Pambansa makes its comeback after a four-year pandemic hiatus.

Host National Capital Region seeks to defend its overall championship after snagging the crown in the 2019 edition in Davao City.

The Big City bets collected 86 gold, 71 silver and 56 bronze medals in the previous edition of the prestigious meet for elementary and high school athletes.