NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – Cadiz City’s pride, 11-year-old para-athlete Zach Lucas Obsioma, once again dominated the pool, securing three gold medals at the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet 2025.
Competing in the orthopedically handicapped (OH) category, Obsioma triumphed in the 50-meter freestyle, 50-meter backstroke, and 50-meter breaststroke, making him the only Cadizeño para-athlete to achieve this feat.
The competition was held from March 1-8, 2025, at the Binirayan Sports Complex in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique.
Obsioma’s latest victory extends his winning streak, following three gold medals at the WVRAA Meets in 2024 and 2023.
He also brought home two golds and one silver at the 64th Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City from July 9-16, 2024.
His unwavering excellence in swimming has made him a symbol of perseverance and strength, inspiring young athletes in Cadiz and beyond.
Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. hailed Obsioma as a “modern sports hero” who continues to defy the odds as a person with disability (PWD).
“Zach is resilient, brave, and determined—qualities that make him worthy of emulation,” Escalante said.
Alongside Obsioma’s triumph, Cadiz’s badminton team delivered an outstanding performance, securing multiple medals across various categories.
Secondary Boys
- Lovic Javier (Singles) – Gold
- Cris Ivan Dosano (Singles) – Silver
- AJ Laurence Jurada & Reynier Dalimo-os (Doubles) – Gold
Secondary Girls
- Alexis Repetillo (Singles) – Gold
- Valerie Marcial & Marionet De Dios (Doubles) – Gold
Secondary Mixed Doubles
- AJ Laurence Jurada & Blessy Faith Engle – Gold
Elementary Boys
- Ryan John Broniola (Singles) – Gold
- Theo Jude Depositario & Joshua Layao (Doubles) – Gold
Elementary Girls
- Blessy May Villaflor & Ydrianna Balista (Doubles) – Gold
Elementary Mixed Doubles
- Ryan John Broniola & Blessy May Villaflor – Gold
Gold medalist Lovic Caceres Javier expressed his gratitude to his coaches, parents, and faith in God for guiding him to victory.
“Isa lang gid pinakaimportante sa tanan, salig lang sa Ginoo kag salamat sa akon coaches kag parents,” he shared.
Assistant coach Jordan Sun extended his appreciation to everyone who supported the Cadiz delegation, including Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., the City Council, Schools Division Superintendent Arlene Bermejo, CESO V, Coach Ernesto Layao Jr. of Cadiz Jaguar Badminton Academy (JBA), DepEd coaches, school principals, and the dedicated athletes.
“This win is a testament to our collective effort. We all played a part in making this happen. I am incredibly proud of everyone! To God be the glory!” Sun remarked.
The outstanding performance of Cadiz athletes reflects the city’s unwavering commitment to sports excellence, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness.
“Because we teach ’em young at an early age of 5,” Escalante concluded.
