TAGUM CITY – Aaron Gumban of Davao del Norte ruled the 13-15 boys’ 5,0000-meter run, while Rona  Bacus of  Cagayan de Oro  topped the 13-15 girls’ triple jump event as action in a pair of awe-inspiring  performances in the  athletics  competition in  the 2019 Batang Pinoy.

Gumban, who is hoping to redeem himself from an injury-marred campaign  in the  national finals last year,  clocked 17 minutes and 14 seconds to win the event and retain  the gold medal he also won  in Oroquieta City in Misamis Occidental last year

“I competed in the national finals in  Baguio City, but I didn’t finish  the race. Now, I have another chance and  I  will do my best to win,” said  Gumban, a Grade 8 student of Sto Tomas National High School.

“I didn’t hold back and gave everything I can,” added the 14 year-old campaigner, who is als frsh from a successful campaign in the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) last week.

Lordy Salpid of General Santos City  finished second with 19:05.07, while Rome  Laviste Jr. of Davao del  Sur  wound  up third with 19:12.66)  in  the  prestigious competition  organized by the Philippine Sports Commission  in  cooperation with the Province of Davao del Norte, STI College-Tagum and Alfalink .

Not to be outdone, Bacus  recorded 11.01 meters in her sixth and final jump to rule the 13-15 girls’ triple jump event.

Jonalyn Florida of Iligan City had 9.75 meters while Gezhel Castro of Tacurong had 9.71 meters to settle for the silver and bronze medals, respectively.

Also making it to the podium was  Febie  Joy Mancera of Davao del Sur, who dominated the 13-15 girls’ discus throw.

Mancera, who clinched the gold while celebrating her 15th birthday, posted 26.28 meters.

Avril Saucejo of Mati City  took the silver with 23.49) and Kristal  Molina of Davao City earned the bronze with 19.85.

Over at the  nearby NCCC Mall, Calamba, Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga City collected three gold medals each in karatedo.

Winning the golds for CAlamba, Misamis Occidental are Mary Geerica Galsing (girls 8-9 intermediate kata), Christian John Borongan  (boys 12-13 intermediate kata Pool B) and Marcu Noel Pacapac (boys 8-9 advance kata).

Victors for Zamboanga City are Hanica Regino (girls 11-12 intermediate kata) and Jullian Pueblo (boys 12-13 intermediate kata Pool A and Pool C)   Zamboanga City also asserted its supremacy in pencak silat  by winning 13 gold medals.

South Cotabato and General Santos City brought home six golds each.