NCR clinches 65th Palaro crown

The National Capital Region (NCR) once again proved its sporting supremacy after claiming the overall championship in the 65th Palarong Pambansa, closing the weeklong competition with a commanding lead in both gold medals and total podium finishes.

Athletes from NCR amassed 117 gold, 70 silver, and 50 bronze medals, fueled by powerhouse performances in gymnastics and swimming — events that have historically anchored the region’s dominance in the annual multi-sport event for student-athletes.

In gymnastics alone, NCR secured 36 golds, while swimming contributed another 19 golds, thanks to standout efforts by elementary swimmers Titus Rafael Sia and Sophia Rose Garra, who each bagged seven gold medals, and secondary standout Patricia Mae Santor, who clinched five.

Trailing behind the Metro Manila contingent was CALABARZON, which tallied a solid 47 gold, 68 silver, and 66 bronze medal finish. The region saw notable success in chess, claiming 12 gold medals, and swimming, with 11 golds.

Western Visayas finished a close third with 44 gold medals, highlighted by team triumphs in elementary girls’ softball and secondary boys’ baseball, further solidifying its reputation as a breeding ground for grassroots talent in bat-and-ball sports.

Davao Region placed fourth overall, collecting 43 golds, including a dominant showing in dancesport with 14 titles. Davao also triumphed in team events, taking home championships in elementary boys’ football, elementary boys’ volleyball, and secondary boys’ 5x5 basketball.

Northern Mindanao rounded out the top five with 31 gold medals, led by a strong campaign in arnis, where they secured nine golds.

Eastern Visayas delivered a historic moment early in the competition when Chrisia Mae Tajerros clinched the first gold medal of the games in the secondary girls’ 3,000-meter run. The region eventually ranked tenth with 16 golds, 17 silvers, and 21 bronzes.

Complete medal standings

The top 10 overall standings of the 65th Palarong Pambansa are:

1. NCR – 117 gold, 70 silver, 50 bronze

2. Calabarzon – 47 gold, 68 silver, 66 bronze

3. Western Visayas – 44 gold, 57 silver, 44 bronze

4. Davao Region – 43 gold, 41 silver, 53 bronze

5. Northern Mindanao – 31 gold, 25 silver, 33 bronze

6. Central Luzon – 29 gold, 25 silver, 36 bronze

7. Central Visayas – 25 gold, 32 silver, 52 bronze

8. Caraga – 21 gold, 20 silver, 43 bronze

9. Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) – 17 gold, 13 silver, 11 bronze

10. Eastern Visayas – 16 gold, 17 silver, 21 bronze

Also making it to the scoreboard were Soccsksargen (15-25-36), Ilocos Region (13-16-27), Bicol Region (6-9-31), National Academy of Sports (6-2-6), Cagayan Valley (4-11-18), Mimaropa (4-6-5), Zamboanga Peninsula (3-17-14), and BARMM (2-3-5).