NEWS

GOLDEN SURGE 

Mighty Green Stallions splash to gold,

secure Palaro slots

Cutting through the water with explosive starts and relentless strokes, Ilocos Sur’s Mighty Green Stallions delivered a commanding performance at the Region I Athletic Association (RIAA) Meet Swimming Competition at the Candon City Olympic Swimming Pool on April 7, punching multiple tickets to the Palarong Pambansa 2026 in Agusan del Sur.

Leading the charge, Makayla Bettina Fetalvero ruled the Secondary Girls’ 400m and 800m freestyle as well as the 50m butterfly. With a blistering pace, she dove off the blocks with a clean entry and settled into a powerful rhythm across the opening laps. She executed precise flip turns and a strong kick in the final 100 meters, out-touching the field to secure gold in a wire-to-wall surge.

“I told myself to own every lap and not look back,” Fetalvero said, still catching her breath after the race. “When I hit the last turn, I went all-out – long strokes, strong kicks. This gold is for Ilocos Sur, and I’m ready to swim even faster in Palaro.”

Her coach, Ronalene G. Reolalas, praised her composure and race strategy. “Makayla swam with controlled splits, efficient breathing, and a devastating finishing kick,” Reolalas said. “She stayed in her lane mentally and physically. That’s championship swimming.”

Not to be outdone, Caleb Andre Palma dominated the Elementary Boys’ 200m individual medley, showcasing versatility and technical precision across all four strokes. From a sharp butterfly breakout to a smooth backstroke transition, a disciplined breaststroke pullout, and a high-tempo freestyle finish, Palma surged ahead to claim gold with authority.

“Hindi lang ito laban sa tubig, laban ito sa takot, pagod, at sa bawat beses na gusto kong sumuko. Ngunit sa bawat paghampas ko sa alon, pinili kong lumaban, at ngayon, dala ko ang gintong bunga ng lahat ng sakripisyo,” expressed Palma.

Meanwhile, Markish Douah Quicio added to Ilocos Sur’s golden haul after clinching gold in the Elementary 50m butterfly and 200m individual medley. Guided by coach Veronica Raras and assistant coach Gerlie Joy Patalud, Quicio displayed exceptional speed and control, further strengthening the Stallions’ dominance in the elementary division.

Adding to the celebration, the Mighty Green Stallions also showcased their depth and teamwork in the 4x100m medley relay events. In the Secondary Girls’ category, Gaille Zenesth Tanawit, Jheyderie Faye Dumacyon, Makayla Bettina Fetalvero, and Jyliana Kenisha Prado combined their strengths to clinch gold under the guidance of Coach Ronalene Reolalas and Assistant Coach Mario Subagan Jr. Similarly, another powerhouse quartet composed of Sky Chelsea Soria, Tosha Aiderie Mendoza, Markish Douah Quicio, and Berst Gaizen Tanawit also struck gold in the 4x100m medley relay, reinforcing the team’s dominance.

Meanwhile, in the Elementary Boys’ relay, Caleb Andre Palma teamed up with Jojimar Allen, Rence Gherald Raganit, and Jann Andre Costales to secure gold, led by Coach Gerlie Raguindin and Assistant Coach Leonila Dollente.

Collectively, these victories in both individual and relay events electrified the pool deck, as the Mighty Green Stallions stamped their class in the lanes, proving depth, teamwork, and dominance across divisions.

With these stellar finishes, Fetalvero, Palma, Quicio, and their teammates officially qualify for the Palarong Pambansa 2026, ready to carry the pride of Ilocos Sur and Region I onto the national stage.

via Daniel G. Cuenca, Jr. & James Noah J. Dauz & R1AA Media Team