Davao City's Long-distance specialist Mary Jane Pagayon clinched the first gold medal of the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet 2025, outrunning her rivals in the secondary girls' 3,000-meter run despite a drizzle on Monday morning, March 10, at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex (DNSTC) track oval in Tagum City.
With this victory, the 17-year-old Grade 12 student from Emar Human and Environmental College secured her third consecutive Davraa Meet first-gold honor.
"I am super happy Ma'am kay wala ko mag-expect na makuha nako ang third straight na sold sa 3k po kay kabalo ko na daghag kusog og daghan nangandam para ani na dula. Da best gyud si Lord, Ma'am, kay gihatag niya ni sako na kadaogan (I am super happy, Ma'am, because I didn't expect to win my third straight gold in the 3K. I knew there were many strong competitors who prepared well for this event. God is truly the best, Ma'am, for granting me this victory)," Pagayon said in a Messenger interview with SunStar Davao.
She was even more thrilled to surpass her previous best time of 10:52 set at the 2023 Palarong Pambansa in Cebu, clocking 10:49 in this year's regional meet.
"Grabeng pagsulay kay ang weather ganina nag ulan-ulan tapos danlog ang oval po pero kaluy-an sa Ginoo, nag start ug finish na safe na nalayo sa injuries po (The rainy weather and slippery track made it tough, but by God's grace, I was able to start and finish safely without injuries)," she added.
Her temporary discomfort was eased seeing her family who traveled early from Davao City to catch her 5:30 a.m. race.
Seeing her family, who traveled from Davao City to support her 5:30 a.m. race, eased her discomfort. She also expressed gratitude to her coaches for their sacrifices, her teammates for their unwavering support, and the people of Davao City.
Pagayon will take a well-earned break on Tuesday before returning to action on Wednesday, March 12, for the 800m semifinals and 1,500m finals.
SunStar Davao’s special coverage of the Davraa Meet 2025 is proudly supported by key sponsors, including Davao de Oro 1st District Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Santos Land Development Corporation, Noe Butchoy Taojo, Panabo City Information Office led by Mayor Jose Joe Relampagos, Atty. Karlo Nograles, Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Almario, and Aeon Luxe Properties. MLSA