TACLOBAN CITY- Caasi Salvador, 16, and a student at Leyte Sports Academy of the Leyte Division is the region’s sole boxing champion in the recently concluded 2018 Palarong Pambansa in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
Salvador received P3,000 from Vigan and P10,000 from the region for his gold medal, according to Leyte division boxing coach Mualilot Ronen Pamor of Hindang, Leyte.
Salvador fought under light flyweight category 46-48.kg. against Eduardo Jimenez from Central Visayas.
The region had 10 boxers sent to Palaro, comprising three from Leyte division, six from Ormoc division, and one from Calbayog division, Pamor told Leyte Samar Daily Express.
Salvador, who interestingly hopes to become a seaman after his studies, is a native of Naval, Biliran.
Leyte division schools superintendent Ronelo Al Firmo congratulated Leyte athletes for representing the Eastern Visayas as the main contributor to the over-all gold medal tally of the region.
Leyte bagged six gold in wrestling, one gold in athletics 4x100m relay and one gold in boxing, Firmo said.
“We may not have won the EVRAA 2018 over-all championship but we have won the hearts of the Palarong Pambansa 2018 participants,” Firmo announced online.
During the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet held in Calbayog City last February, Leyte came second to Ormoc City division after over 10 years of being on the top.
With a 9 gold, 10 silver, and 9 bronze medals harvest, Eastern Visayas ranked 12 in this year’s Palarong Pambansa.
The National Capital Region, with its 14th year in a row winning records, harvested 100 gold, 70 silver, and 50 bronze medals during the 61st annual Palarong Pambansa participated by 17 regions in the country.
Davao City will host the Palaro next year.
(RONALD O. REYES)
