NCR claims 19th straight Palarong Pambansa overall crown

AGUSAN DEL SUR — The National Capital Region once again ruled the Palarong Pambansa, capturing the overall title for the 19th straight edition.

NCR captured its 19th consecutive overall championship after dominating the 2026 edition in Agusan del Sur, collecting 91 gold medals, 71 silvers, and 71 bronzes to rule the premier national sporting event for elementary and high school students.

Meanwhile, Region IV-A finished second anew by grabbing 55 golds, 50 silvers, and 60 bronzes as Region XI - Davao Region claimed the third spot with its 34-gold medal haul alongside 32 silvers and 34 bronzes.

READ MORE | 2026 Palarong Pambansa Final Medal Tally

NCR also achieved another feat by producing the most bemedalled athlete in swimmer Patricia Santor of the University of Santo Tomas, who collected a tournament-high seven gold medals in as many events.

The Grade 12 student, who originally hails from Antipolo City, swept all her events, taking home gold in the 50m butterfly, 4x50m medley relay, and 4x100m medley relay, breaking previous records in all of them. She also ruled the 400m IM, 200m IM, 200m butterfly, and 100m butterfly to complete the sweep.

Another swimming ace Jamesray Mishael Ajido chipped in five gold medals to star for NCR while gymnasts Tchelzy Mei Maayo, Antonette Amante, Sheena Ty, and Deen Gungob each delivered four golds.

Fellow swimmer Ashton Clyde Jose also bagged four gold medals as NCR once again set the standard for excellence at the Palarong Pambansa.

NCR's latest triumph comes at a fitting time, with one of its cities, Quezon City, set to host the 2027 edition of the Palarong Pambansa.

—JKC, GMA News