VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur - Cordillera region finally broke the jinx in athletics for many years after Edward Josh Buenavista bagged a gold in the ongoing Palarong Pambansa at the Elpidio Quirino Stadium.
Buenavista, a Grade 10 student from the University of Baguio, checked in at 9.52.39 to win the gold medal in the 3000-meter steeple chase secondary boys in his first Palarong Pambansa.
Coach Jennifer Pinlac said although it was Buenavista's first, he has already been competing in the Prisaa which coincides with the Palarong Pambansa.
"It's fortunate na hindi sinabay yung Prisaa kasi he was able to finally bring gold medal for Cordillera sa athletics.
Buenavista edged Bicol Region's Jerry Vasquez(9.52.39) and Western Visayas Ritchie Estampador (10.01.70) who both settled for silver and bronze medal respectively.
Although Buenavista, the son of former marathon king Eduardo, has still two remaining Palaro left ahead of him, Pinlac said the bemedalled runner is contemplating of moving to Laguna.
"We hope na sana eh magbago pa isip nya so he can still compete for the region during Palarong Pambansa," added Pinlac.
Buenavista, according to Pinlac, is set to compete in the 5,000 meters event later and hopes to add another medal for the Fearless Highlanders.
With Buenavista adding another gold medal, Cordillera has now 11 gold medals to go with nine silver, and eight bronze medals as of 11 a.m. behind Soccsksargen who is in third place with 11 golds, 10 silvers, and 11 bronzes in the weeklong competition backed by the Department of Education in cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission.
The National Capital Region reclaimed the top spot with 20-15-10 medal count with Southern Tagalog Region (4A) in second place with 13-11-18.
Western Visayas fell to fifth with 10 golds, 10 silvers, and 11 bronzes.