THE 88th Araw ng Davao Athletics Festival Season 3 wrapped up on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the University of Mindanao (UM Maa), with visiting Team Mercuries and host UM emerging as the overall champions in the men’s and women’s 19-above divisions.
Team Mercuries, composed of top varsity tracksters from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (Uaap) teams, collected eight golds, one silver, and one bronze, led by dasher Alfredo Pineda, who won the 100m and 200m and secured two more golds in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays. He teamed up with Clint Niño Neri, John Lloyd Cabalo, and John Celestino Romero for the 4x100m and joined Orly Orongan, Romero, and Cabalo for the 4x400m.
Romero also won the 400m, while Van Alexander Obejas (110m hurdles), Neri (long jump), and Milven Calano (javelin throw) added to the team’s gold haul.
Cabalo of Team Mercuries, in a Facebook post, said: “Men’s overall champion, it was a truly unforgettable amazing experience.” He attributed the team championship to their hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
In the women’s 19-above category, the UM Lady Wildcats finished with eight golds, four silvers, and four bronzes. Kate Duffy Gel McDowell claimed gold in the 1,500m and 3,000m, while Andrea de Guia topped the 800m. Lyka Catubig (5,000m), Jerlyn Grace Crismundo (shot put), and Sofia Jean Bangunan (discus throw) also won gold. The 4x100m relay team, consisting of De Guia, Bernadeth Mendiola, Crislyn Wenceslao, and Jhance Karre Bautista, secured another victory.
Batang Gentri’s Jeralyn Rodriguez dominated the 100m, 200m, and 400m, then teamed up with Ma. Sophia Loepra, Charlyn Samontina, and Juvelle Alexa Matinog for her fourth gold in the 4x400m relay. Cyril Perez added a gold in the 100m hurdles.
Desiree Alaba of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) Claveria-Misamis Oriental won two gold medals in the triple jump and long jump.
In the boys’ 18U division, Team España from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) secured seven golds, with Prince Germil Cuyos (100m, 200m), Michael Sunico Jr. (400m), Sangsoek Lee Kangwoo (800m), and Mark Joshua Rabaya (1,500m) winning their events. The team also took gold in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.
For Team Kinetix, Mary Jane Pagayon won gold in the 1,500m and led victories in the 4x400m relay and 4x400m mixed relay. Milchay Moreno secured a gold in the 400m.
Davao del Norte Regional Sports Academy’s Samantha Martinez claimed gold in the 100m and 200m, while Ruth Mae Teodocio (100m hurdles) and Nicole Bongabong (triple jump) added more golds. The team also won the 4x100m relay.
The 88th Araw ng Davao Athletics Festival featured strong performances across divisions, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of the participating athletes.
The two-day athletics festival was organized by the Davao City Track and Field Association (DCTFA) under its president Kenneth Sai and sponsored by the city government of Davao through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO). MLSA