LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) -- The provincial government of Benguet recognized the local athletes and coaches who brought home medals from their competitions in and out of the country in 2022.

Governor Melchor Diclas and Board Member Fernando Balaodan Jr. awarded certificates of recognition and cash incentives to the athletes and coaches during the flag raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol in La Trinidad, Benguet on Monday, January 16, 2023.

Eight athletes and coaches were  recognized  for their achievements  in  international events such as  the Southeast Asia Wrestling Championships held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Dec. 16-18, 2022 with Mariane Mariano bringing home a silver medal in the Women’s Wrestling and Jason Baucas,  a silver medalist in Greco-Roman category.  Baucas also won three gold medals during the Quarterly Wrestling National Open Competition in 2022.

Silver medalists Ronaldo Dominguez and Pennylope Padcayan, also a bronze medalist in the Wai Kru while bronze medalists were Levi Dawaton, Audrel Kitzg Daniel, Ryan Joe Bestre and Art Getrex Potingan.

Also recognized were Muaythai coaches Zaidi Laruan, Heidel Solis, and Junjun Benito.

 Medalists in the 2022 Batang Pinoy National Championships held in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on Dec. 17-21, 2022 include gold medalists in the Judo, Juvenile category Zhaijan Mryle Corpuz and bronze medalists in the Taekwondo Children’s category Trisha Lobbonan and Xian Craig Eusebio with their coaches Danrey Velo in Taekwondo and Htai Andro Kienh Cudao in Judo.

Benguet para athlete-medalists  in  the National Classic Bench Press Championship Competition held in Pasig City on Dec. 10, 2022  include Efreny Buslay,  gold medalists in the Men’s Novice division; Gregorio Payat, Jr. who also Gold Medalist in the Male 59kg Open Category and Bronze Medalist in the Master-1 Men’s 59kg Category and Denesia Esnara who also garnered Gold in the Women’s 57kg Open Category, Gold in the Master-1 Women’s 57kg Category,  and was also adjudged as the Women’s Best Lifter of the Open Division Category.

 The provincial government also recognized Philippine Football National Team “AZKALS” member Audie Menzi from Tublay, Benguet, and participated in the 2022 Asian Football Federation Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

 Diclas commended the athletes for their values and attitude and encouraged them to continue their journey in their sports events. He also challenged them to continue to bring home honor and pride to the province and raise the Benguet identity in national and international sports competition

“Not only your medals or wins that are worthy of recognition, but more so your values of discipline, courage, and willpower as well as your humility and pride as iBenguet,” Diclas said.  (JDP/RMC- PIA-CAR) (photos from Benguet Sports for All)