By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur —Agusan del Sur once again claimed the title of overall champion at the 2026 Caraga Regional Athletic Games (CRAG) held in Surigao City, reaffirming its dominance in regional sports.
With a remarkable performance, the province secured 133 golds, 102 silvers, and 87 bronzes medals, totaling 322 medals. “This impressive showing highlighted the athletes’ skill, discipline, and determination, bringing pride to the province,” said Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane, Jr.
Agusan del Sur’s victory also provides a strong boost as the province prepares to host the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in the third week of May this year, one of the most prestigious national sporting events in the country.
Throughout the five-day competition, Agusan del Sur maintained a clear lead over its competitors. Butuan City finished in second place with 218 medals tally with 79 gold medals, 54 fewer than the champion, while the third-place delegation Agusan del Norte completed 205 medal tally. With this win, Agusan del Sur became the back-to-back champion of the region’s premier athletic event.
A standout performer was Alexa Rean Fuentes of Trento West Central Elementary School, who clinched six gold medals in gymnastics. Fuentes excelled in the Individual All-Around, Team All-Around, Freehand, Ball, Hoop, and Rope events, showcasing her versatility and precision.
Local vlogger Maddee Bapz praised Fuentes’ achievements, noting her dominance in every apparatus and attributing her success to discipline, sacrifice, and heart.
Another notable performer, Christine Castro from San Luis National High School, bagged three gold medals in Secondary Girls Triple Jump, 100-meter Hurdles, and Long Jump. Her victories underscored the depth of talent in Agusan del Sur’s athletics.
In a social media post, Castro was recognized not only for her gold medals but also for her embodiment of hard work, discipline, and perseverance.
Her success was made possible by the support of her coaches Eduardo D. Tianchon, Marry-Apple C. Miranda, and Geneda A. Algufera, as well as her trainers Elias Tabac, John Kenneth Paculba, Ruel Algufera, and Benjie Duhac.
Tabac, one of the trainers in track and field, revealed that Castro was just split seconds away from breaking the Philippine record in the 100-meter hurdles, clocking 14.59 seconds. He added that Governor Santiago Cane Jr. had promised P1 million to any athlete who surpasses the national record.
Agusan del Sur’s swimmers dominated the gold medal count with 41 golds, followed by track and field with 33 golds, further contributing to the province’s impressive medal tally.
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