Lapu-Lapu City runner Asia Paraase of Pajo National High School is the first gold medalist of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 hosted by Cebu City. 

Paraase won in the 3,000- meter run in Athletics.

Paraase is a 17-year-old incoming Grade 12 student, and is into athletics since Grade 6. 

"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. 

This is the second time she has competed in the Palarong Pambansa, but this is the first time she bagged the gold.  

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

“Ang saya ko po dahil nagawan ko ng paraan para hindi ako kainin ng kaba at takot,” she added. 

Paraase sets goals in representing the Philippines next in the Asian Games and Youth Games.

(viaDepEd Philippines)