General Santos City – The Municipality of Malungon and host General Santos City won the first gold medals at stake in the two-day 2024 Indigenous People’s Games – Mindanao leg held here at the Antonio Acharon Sports Complex in Barangay Calumpang.
A tense but fun balancing act filled the natives from the eight participating tribes in the men’s Kadang (Bamboo) and women’s Kadang (Bao) categories.
Arnel Quidoc, Garry Tamalon, Aquino Tamalon and Brix Jerzel Dela Cruz of Malungon clocked 3:07 minutes to take home the gold medal in the tournament organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) based on the mandate of the United Nations Educational and Scientific and Cultural Organization. (UNESCO) for the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Philippines and around the world.
GenSan finished second with a time of 3:16 minutes and Kiamba was third (4:43 minutes).
The women of the host GenSan did not lag behind after it quickly reached the gold in Kadang (Bao) in a tight battle that was decided by seconds.
Wincy Princess Calfaro, Princess Malil Galcan, Cindy Darie and Daisy Bacaron crossed the finish line for General Santos in a total of 43 seconds. Malapatan finished second with 43.63 seconds while Malungon finished third with 44.73 seconds.
The Municipality of Kiamba hit the gold in Bangkaw (Spear) after three of its five members hit the target pumpkin. GenSan is second and Malapatan is third.
Kiamba consists of Emilio Wangkal, Bernie Tagure, Rosendo Olegario, Kedaly Bokok and Peruel Sinamang.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioners Matthew “Fritz” Gaston and Edward Hayco along with General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao and representatives of the National Indigenous People’s Commission enjoyed the colorful performances in the traditional ceremony.
“It’s fun because we can see the young people and those old people working together in each sport showing two generations playing in their own traditional sports,” said Gaston.
GenSan City Mayor Pacquiao inspired the conduct of the competition for the IPs which he said not only binds the colorful traditions and culture of the Filipinos but also gives the members of the groups an opportunity to come together and show off their physical abilities. tribe
“We are grateful for this sports program because it not only recognizes our native countrymen but also shows unity and togetherness for peace and giving opportunities to our fellow Filipinos,” said Pacquiao.
