Lapu-Lapu City HS student wins first gold in 2024 Palarong Pambansa

A runner from Lapu-Lapu City won the first gold medal in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa.

Asia Paraase of Pajo National High School won the national meet's first gold on Thursday as she ruled the 3000m event in athletics.

"Masaya po ako kasi pride na rin po ito ng Central Visayas. Payback na rin po para sa preparation nila. Masaya rin po kasi hindi lang din po kasi ito para sa akin kundi pati na rin po sa teammates ko," Paraase said in a social media post by the Department of Education.

(I am happy because this is also Central Visayas' pride. This is a payback to their preparations. I am also happy because this is not just for me but also for my teammates.)

Paraase said she is happy to achieve the feat after facing some challenges.

"Dine-dedicate ko po ito sa sarili ko. Ang dami pong challenges na hinarap, nawawalan na rin po ako ng hope sa sarili ko," she said. 

"Ang saya ko po dahil nagawan ko ng paraan para hindi ako kainin ng kaba at takot."

(I dedicate this to myself. I faced some challenges, I lost hope. I'm happy because I found a way not to be overwhelmed by fear.)

As of writing, the National Capital Region leads the overall medal tally with eight gold medals, seven silvers, and six bronzes.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News