DECORATED runner Mary Jane Pagayon and returning jumper Khian Angelbert Corcellis of Emar Human and Environmental College gave Unit 5 a strong start in the Davao City Athletic Association (Dcaa) Meet 2025, clinching gold medals on the opening day of athletics competition at the University of Mindanao (UM) Matina track oval on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
Pagayon, a 17-year-old Grade 12 student, successfully defended her title in the secondary girls’ 3,000-meter run, outrunning two Unit 4 competitors who settled for silver and bronze. She previously won bronze in the same event at the Palarong Pambansa 2024 in Cebu City.
Having swept five gold medals in the 2024 Dcaa Meet, Pagayon was thrilled to start her campaign on a high note once again.
"Unexpected kaayo Ma'am. Wala ko magdahum nga mudaug na pud ko, nga mag first gold na sad ko sa Dcaa Meet, pang katulo na nako ni (It was really unexpected, Ma'am. I didn't think I would win again and claim the first gold of the Dcaa Meet—this is my third time)," she told SunStar in a Messenger interview.
Despite feeling pressure early in the race as Unit 4 runners stayed close behind, she maintained focus and broke away in the final stretch.
Pagayon, who also took home silver in the 1,500m at the Cebu Palaro, is set to compete in the 800m, 1,500m, and the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.
However, she remains cautious about sweeping all five golds again.
"Dili lang kami nangandam, pati pud ubang units. Sa individual events, dili pud ko makasulti kay daghan kaayo'g kusog. Dili gihapon pakampante (We’re not the only ones who prepared—the other units did too. In individual events, I can’t say for sure because there are a lot of strong competitors. I won’t be complacen)."
This marks Pagayon’s final year competing in the Department of Education (DepEd) sportsfest, and she has her sights set on winning a coveted Palaro gold.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Corcellis secured his first-ever DCAA Meet gold in the secondary boys’ long jump with a distance of 6.13 meters. After finishing fourth in last year’s event, he finally broke through in his third attempt.
"Happy kaayo ko kay makadula na gyud ko sa Davraa Meet (I'm very happy because I can finally compete in the Davraa Meet)," said Corcellis, the eldest of three children of Helbert, a school principal in Malabog, and Christine, a teacher in Marilog.
He will next compete in the triple jump and the 4x100m relay. MLSA