Palaro to feature talented host Davao native runners

MANILA, Philippines - Young runners from Talaingod, a municipality in Davao del Norte, will share center stage with student-athletes from various parts of the country when the province hosts the 2015 Palarong Pambansa on May 3-9 in Tagum.

Known as the Talaingod DavNor runners, they will showcase Davao del Norte’s premium on sports, particularly running, as Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario aims to brand the province as the Kenya of the Philippines.

“It started with a vision to maximize the inherent physical prowess of lumad children who had been traversing the high altitude terrain to and from school,” Del Rosario said. “Training to run is the lumad children’s daily way of life.”

The Talaingod DavNor Runners, a unique sports development program, was launched on April 28, 2014, just when the province’s intention to host the Palaro reached fever pitch. Talaingod Mayor Basilio Libayao has been fully behind the program ever since it was implemented.

“The Palaro is a great opportunity for LGUs to showcase whatever strength they have in terms of sports,” Del Rosario said. “DavNor has the Talaingod runners who are fitting examples that, being given this attention and importance, means so much to them.”

The program is composed of six girls and four boys who were selected from 200 Ata-Manobo children. They undergo a special daily training program prepared by Professor Renato Unso, head coach of the national running team.

The girls are Rochell Anggol, 13; Rica Andil, 11; Jeanneth Mansumilay, 15; Jesme Baucon, 11; Relyn Calooy, 14; and Shiela Mae Bantao, 14; while the boys are Ruben Enggo Jr., 15; Junior Lito Mabanag, 12; Ronald Dauban, 13; and Joshue Tiwog, 15.

Already, the young runners have started to reap success. They have hauled five gold, six silver and two bronze medals from the Davao Regional Athletic Association to qualify for the Palarong Pambansa. Last year, the team managed a bronze medal from the Batang Pinoy.

“I hope I can finish high school or even college and end the cycle of poverty in my family,” said Baucon, who is from an impoverished family but made a statement by being part of the gold medal-winning 4x100 meters relay team in the recent DAVRAA.