Bachmann: IP Games remain PSC priority
BAGO City — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), headed by Chairman Richard Bachmann, will continue to support the hosting of the Indigenous Peoples Games as “a way to help promote the interest and well-being of the IPs and their beliefs, customs and traditions.”
This was personally stressed by Bachmann as he reached out to leaders and elders of different IP groups from the Visayas during the two-day event held in cooperation with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the Bago City government.
“This is our way of helping preserve the traditional sports and games of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), as well as promote peace, unity, and harmony among the 17 participating LGUs,” said Bachmann in a statement.
The well-known basketball player-turned-top sports official was obviously impressed by the unity and enthusiasm displayed by the IP participants in all 10 events disputed at the sprawling Manuel Y. Torres Sports Center.
Bachmann also reiterated his appreciation for the warm reception given by the people of Bago, a beautiful city in Negros Occidental noted for its picture perfect scenery.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Isabela dominated action by winning three of 10 events — Pana (archery), Bayo Gisig and Galing-Mais.
Martin Sangher, Jr. of ISabela edged Elenita Menabes of Calatrava and Danrey Surio of Binalbagan to clinch top honors in Pana.
Also taking top honors for Isabela were Lorgie Elud, Gloria Montano, Danny Sinceda, Elezar Arandoque and Richard Elud in the Bayo Gisig event; and Heldyn Ardianosa,
Mariel Sangher, Lordie Elud, Richard Elud, and Gloria Montano in Galing-Mais.
In Palosebo, Silay City of Rachelle Joy Alaya-ay, Lanie Manzate, Richian Magbanua, Jessica Magbanua and Wilma Encabo emerged as the champion.
Himamaylan (Glenn Corina-o, Eman Pacheco, Amgel Urusa, Argie Pachero and Renelda Quilantan) finished second, while Calatrava (Jennheboy Selendran, Salvador Aredes, Joshua de Asis, Merabel De Asis and Elenita Menabes) wound up third.
In Kadang, Binalbagan (Jonavive Pangantihan, Jaehan Estaniel, Gerald Dojilio, Welmark Bolhano, and Jeno Faburado) won over Silay City (Lanie Mondale, Jessica
Magbanua, Jake Celeste, Ryan Simbran and Dennis Mondale) and Kabankalan (Charlyn Mie Mucres, Shella Gallo, Elvin Gallasam Rey Belo and Reniel Belinario).
In other results:
Trompo — 1. Vernie Cervantes (Sagay); 2. Racky Martinez (Talisay); 3.Reogelito Quezon (Sipalay).
Bangkan — 1. Josephine Velez (Don Salvador Benedicto); 2. Kimberly Villarin (Cadiz City); 3. Ricca Sumagang (Calatrava).
Fire-making — 1. Rogelio Capoloy (Hinoba-an); 2. Martin Sangher (Isabela) ; 3. Gilbert Morden (Don Salvador Benedicto).
Panit Lubi– 1. Merabel De Asis of Calatrava; 2. Marife Mahinay (Kabankalan); 3. Richian Magbanua (Silay).
PSC Executive Assistant Lito Cinco, who represented PSC Commissioner and IP Games officer-in-charge Matthew “Fritz” Gaston, said a total of 350 athletes from 17 local government units all over Negros Occidental Province took part in the competition.