BATANGAS CITY, Philippines — Asserting their athletic supremacy on the regional stage, Rizal Province emerged as the undisputed overall champion of the Regional Athletic Association Meet (RAAM) CALABARZON 2026. Outpacing a packed and highly competitive field of 25 divisions, the Rizaleño student-athletes delivered a spectacular performance to take home the region’s top sporting crown.
The stakes for this year’s meet were higher than ever. Gold medalists and selected top-performing athletes across all sporting categories have officially secured their spots to represent Region IV-A (CALABARZON) in the highly anticipated 66th Palarong Pambansa, which will be hosted in Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31, 2026.
SDO Rizal Province showcased a masterclass in both team and individual events, hauling a massive 130 gold, 78 silver, and 85 bronze medals. They were closely trailed by regional powerhouse SDO Batangas Province, which put up a formidable fight to secure second place with 50 golds, 48 silver, and 74 bronze medals. SDO Quezon Province rounded out the top three with 33 golds, 28 silver, and 52 bronze medals.
While the top-ranking provinces hauled in the bulk of the medals, the city divisions brought incredible upsets and record-breaking moments. Adding to the local excitement, SDO Batangas City delivered a performance that gave the barako crowd plenty to cheer about. Taking on the dual pressure of hosting the massive regional meet and competing on their home turf, the Batangas City delegation fought their way to a highly respectable 14th-place finish overall. They secured a total of 32 medals—hauling in 8 gold, 7 silver, and 17 bronze.
In a historic milestone for the region’s sports programs, not a single division went home empty-handed. As the dust settles on the track and the courts, the region now turns its attention to pooling its best talents. With the stakes higher than ever, the champions of their respective categories have not only earned regional glory but have also officially punched their tickets to the national stage. They will represent the prestige of CALABARZON against the rest of the nation at the upcoming 66th Palarong Pambansa, which is scheduled to take place in Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31, 2026.| Sheenalei Briana Rayos
