The Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Eagles retained their fourth-place overall finish at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte, significantly improving their medal haul with 43 golds, 28 silvers, and 36 bronzes—up from last year’s 32-25-35 tally in Cebu. They narrowly missed overtaking Western Visayas, who took third with 44 gold, 54 silver, and 58 bronze medals.
Perennial champion National Capital Region (NCR) hauled 117 golds, 70 silvers, and 50 bronzes, followed by Calabarzon Region (47-68-66) in second.
Department of Education (DepEd) Davao Regional Director Allan Farnazo praised the team, credited their strong finish to the delegation's hard work, and urged them to keep pushing forward as one united region.
Farnazo commended the Eagles’ dedication: “I am truly humbled by the focus, drive, and commitment everyone has poured into our 'better us.’ I take my proudest salute as I declare to others: I am proud of my Davao Region. Thank you all. My heart bleeds blood of fire to lead you in believing in ourselves.”
The elementary boys football team of Davraa, anchored by Nabunturan Central Elementary School Sped Center (NCESSC) of Davao de Oro, capped the region’s medal campaign by clinching the final gold. The Eagles outlasted Western Visayas, 5-4, in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation on Saturday, May 31.
The team swept all five matches to reach the finals. They opened with a 5-0 rout of Central Luzon, followed by wins over Western Visayas (1-0) and Caraga (2-0) in the group stage. In the knockout rounds, they shut out Northern Mindanao (1-0) in the quarterfinals and blanked Bicol Region (2-0) in the semifinals.
Head coach Regine Pacot and assistant Rosalie Castillo led the squad composed of NCESSC players Liam Astudillo, Ryeonnah Jay Cagas, Brian Diano Jr., Francis Angelo Fernandez, ARJ Gabino, Arvien Rienz Nicollai Jimenea, Henrik Jimenea, John Zhedric Lado, Mark Dave Lagumbay, Leon Carl Lupogan, Ezekiel Morales, John Audric Pusta, Jhon Xian Rivera, Carl Arjie Rosil, Oliver Suarez, Shan Manuel Villaceran, Jedric Lu, and John Emmanuel Villan. They also fielded reinforcements: Jhazien Dylan Peñaflor (Laureta ES, Tagum City), Renskyle Muring (Maragusan CES), and Leo Greg Vallecera (Carmen CES, Davao del Norte).
James Vynald Ryle Aquino and Chelsea Mei Bernaldez also delivered gold in secondary mixed doubles, closing Davraa’s campaign on a winning note.
But Davraa’s success went beyond the medal count. The delegation topped the Nasalindeg nga Ummong Award for resilience, placed second in Digital Engagement, ranked second in the secondary level, third in Most Disciplined, and fifth in both the elementary level and para games.
At the division level, DepEd Davao City Division also stood out, finishing second overall with 25 gold, 14 silver, and 19 bronze medals.
"Beyond athletic victories, the achievement reflects the collective effort of student-athletes, coaches, schools, and the community. The city’s performance serves as both a celebration of excellence and a stepping stone toward continued youth development through sports."
As the games end and the athletes head home, one thing is clear—Davao can, and Davao will keep pushing for more. MLSA