Bicol athlete propels to gold

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – It’s déjà vu for Bicol Region’s young jumper Jason M. Jabol as he once again claimed the illustrious gold medal, besting athletes from 16 other regions in the Palarong Pambansa 2015’s long jump event Tuesday, May 5.

The 12-year-old of the Bicol Region Athletic Association (BRAA) propelled himself to victory as he finished with a record of 5 meters and 61 centimeters after trailing from the first 3 jumps.

“Kinakabahan ako sa una, pero hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa at naniwala ako sa aking sarili,” Jason, an incoming high school freshman, said. (I was nervous at first, but I didn’t lose hope and I believed in myself.)

This is Jabol’s first Palarong Pambansa appearance.

Bicol Region’s star athlete, who also won gold in the Triple Jump event on Monday, said he did not expect to win another award. He dedicated the award to his school and his region.

The Palarong Pambansa is the largest grassroots sporting even in the Philippines that aims to develop the potentials of the youth to become responsible and globally competitive citizens.

It is the Department of Education’s way of promoting physical education and  as an integral part of the Basic Education Curriculum. – Rappler.com

Saimehen Iluis is a Mass Communication student from the University of Mindanao and a staff writer for DepEd Davao del Norte division.