Davao City Swimmers Power to Dominance at 2026 DAVRAA Meet
In a stunning display of aquatic prowess, Davao City Durians have surged ahead in the 2026 Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet, with swimmers Jian Paul T. Baulos and Cassiel Auvene Cabico leading the charge by securing four gold medals each as of Day 2. The competition, held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City, saw the Durians amass an impressive total of 21 gold medals, 14 silvers, and 11 bronzes in swimming alone.
Medal Tally Highlights Davao City's Commanding Lead
As of 1:40 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, the official medal tally underscores Davao City's dominance as the defending champion. The Durians boast 90 golds, 81 silvers, and 45 bronzes, placing them far ahead of rivals such as the Davao del Norte Pioneers with 30 golds, Davao de Oro Golden Thunderbolts with 27, and Tagum Premier with 14. This commanding performance has solidified their position at the top of the regional athletic standings.
Standout Performers and Team Efforts
Jian Paul T. Baulos, a Grade 12 student from Davao City National High School, emerged as a key figure in the secondary boys' events. He clinched gold in the 200-meter butterfly and 200-meter individual medley, and contributed to team victories in the 4x100-meter and 4x50-meter medley relays alongside teammates Archibald Nicolas Lonzaga, Almar Christian De Leon, and Liam Nigel Rebaya. Baulos, who began swimming at age nine and trains under veteran coach Haroon Cali, expressed his joy, stating, "I'm so happy my hard work paid off. I dedicate my golds to my parents, coach, school, and team. I'll keep training to improve and hopefully win more medals at the next Palaro."
Other notable secondary boys' gold medalists include Rafael Miguel Cruz in the 100-meter freestyle and Almar Christian De Leon in the 50-meter breaststroke. On the girls' side, the secondary squad showcased depth with Zoe Alexandra Raut winning the 100-meter freestyle, Kai Monique Solana taking gold in the 200-meter breaststroke and silver in the 400-meter freestyle, Alexi Jeane Laolao securing the 200-meter butterfly, and Paulette Javier Apilado adding gold in the 200-meter individual medley. The team of Apilado, Solana, Laolao, and Raut also triumphed in the 4x100-meter medley relay.
Elementary Swimmers Shine with Multiple Victories
At the elementary level, Juan Raphael Estanislao captured gold in the boys' 200-meter freestyle and 4x100-meter medley relay, along with a silver in the 50-meter breaststroke. Seth Ali Liam Dilangalen added another gold in the 200-meter individual medley, while Andrew Dugaduga won the 100-meter backstroke and secured silver in the 200-meter freestyle.
For the elementary girls, Cassiel Auvene Cabico was a standout, sweeping three individual golds in the 100-meter freestyle, 50-meter breaststroke, and 200-meter individual medley. Her fourth gold came in the 4x100-meter medley relay with teammates Georgia Summer Peñeiro and Kezaiah Grace Eguia. Peñeiro also claimed gold in the 200-meter freestyle, further highlighting the Durians' comprehensive success across age groups.
Conclusion: A Testament to Dedication and Teamwork
The 2026 DAVRAA Meet has proven to be a showcase of Davao City's swimming excellence, driven by rigorous training and unwavering commitment. With athletes like Baulos and Cabico setting the pace, the Durians have not only widened their lead but also inspired future generations in the sport. As the competition continues, all eyes remain on these young champions and their pursuit of further glory.
