Under the heat of the sun and the weight of months of preparation, thousands of young athletes wrapped up the 2026 Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) meet, with Laoag City emerging as overall champion for the third consecutive year.

More than 14,000 athletes from 14 schools divisions across the Ilocos Region competed in the annual games, each carrying hopes of raising their city and province’s flag in one of the region’s largest grassroots sporting events.

Laoag City dominated both elementary and secondary categories, collecting 93 gold, 70 silver, and 62 bronze medals to secure its third straight overall title.

“It’s very overwhelming. Thank you, Lord na nakuha namin ‘yung ini-aim namin na sana magka-three-peat naman ang Laoag,” Hipolito Salva, Laoag City sports development officer, said.

Salva credited their victory to months of preparation, including a structured training program designed not to interfere with students’ academic schedules.

“‘Yung training namin ginawa naming four months but not to disrupt the classes of the kids… bumili kami ng mga equipment for them to be oriented sa mga gagamitin sa competition proper,” he said.

Other top-performing divisions, collectively referred to as the “Prime Five,” included Ilocos Norte as first runner-up, followed by Pangasinan I, Pangasinan II, and Urdaneta City.

With the regional meet concluded, attention now shifts to the national stage, as selected athletes prepare for the Palarong Pambansa 2026 set in Agusan del Sur in May.

“Nu adda pangkaysa, adda pigsa ken pannakabalin. Together we are stronger. Dear athletes, hawak niyo ang beat,” Dr. Margarita Consolacion Ballesteros of the Department of Education regional office, sid.

The R1AA serves as a qualifying event for the Palarong Pambansa, bringing together top student-athletes from across Region 1.