The Laoag City Division emerged as back-to-back champions in the 2025 Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet, held last week in La Union.

Laoag City secured the top spot with 86 gold medals, 89 silver medals, and 63 bronze medals.

“Hard work. Commitment. Focus. Diyan tayo, nag-dwell para ma-achieve naming ‘yung status na maging back-to-back,” Hipolito Carlos Salva Jr., Laoag City Sports Development Officer, said.

Following Laoag City in the rankings are Pangasinan 1 in second place, Pangasinan 2 in third, Ilocos Norte in fourth, and Ilocos Sur in fifth.

Despite the intense heat, the competition ran smoothly, according to R1AA spokesperson Cesar Bucsit.

“Masasabi natin na very successful po ang implementation ng R1AA considering na wala tayong gaanong issues and concern,” he said.

Now, athletes from the winning teams will represent Region 1 in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, set to take place in Ilocos Norte next month.

Teams are already preparing for next year’s R1AA Meet in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, with Laoag City aiming for a three-peat victory.

“Hoping for that. Preparing for that. Naumpisahan na. Hopefully, baka kaya [ipanalo]!” Salva added.