DR. JOSE P. RIZAL, Palawan — The Municipality of Dr. Jose P. Rizal emerged as the overall champion of the 28th Southern Palawan Inter-Municipality Friendship Meet 2026, capping four days of competition that brought together athletes and delegations from nine municipalities across the province.

The annual meet, held from 9 to 12 September, drew participants from Aborlan, Balabac, Bataraza, Brooke’s Point, Kalayaan, Narra, Quezon, Rizal and Sofronio Española for a showcase of sportsmanship, camaraderie and competition.

The municipality also acknowledged the support of Rep. Jose Chavez Alvarez in the successful staging of the 28th Southern Palawan Inter-Municipality Friendship Meet.

Rizal’s overall championship was highlighted by its victory in men’s basketball and the duet competition, among other events.

Sofronio Española also posted multiple victories, winning the badminton mixed doubles, women’s doubles and solo competition. Quezon took the badminton men’s doubles title and the bench cheering competition, while Narra won the Unity in Motion inter-LGU dance competition and Brooke’s Point topped the Zumba dance competition.

The meet opened on 9 September with a Parade of Lights in Rizal, featuring the participating municipalities and setting the stage for four days of sporting and cultural competitions.

But beyond the trophies and medals, the gathering strengthened ties among Southern Palawan communities and gave athletes an opportunity to compete while fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship.

Mayor Norman S. Ong told the Daily Tribune on 9 September that the event has also been drawing an increasing number of spectators, particularly when teams from other municipalities participate.

“More people are watching now, especially when other teams come in,” Ong said.

He also pointed to social media as helping bring more attention to Rizal, particularly when vloggers participate in sporting events.

“When vloggers play, they also draw people in and encourage more people to see Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Palawan,” Ong said.

The growing audience has prompted Rizal to look beyond this year’s Friendship Meet, with Ong saying the municipality is considering a bigger league next year.

“Not so much anymore. Next year, we’re planning something bigger – we’re looking at opening a league that will allow imports,” he said.

“I’ll hold it in Rizal, with just one team [from the municipality]. I might invite [other teams], usually around six teams. The accommodation can also be here.”

Ong’s plans point to a broader role for sports in Rizal, both as a venue for competition and as a way of bringing more visitors to the municipality.

With the successful conclusion of the 28th Southern Palawan Inter-Municipality Friendship Meet and Rizal’s overall championship, the host town is now looking to carry the momentum into next year through a bigger sporting event.