As the day basked on the dusk towards evening, the eight delegations convened resonating the true spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship as they bid farewell after a weeklong fierce sports competition. The venue highlighted diverse colors and cultures united as one Zamboanga Peninsula.

The culmination underscored the awarding of the top three Outstanding Performances based on the medal tally. The biggest ZPRAA 2024 achiever was brought to an end by Zamboanga City Division dominating the medals table with 102 gold (along with 97 silver, and 93 bronze). Zamboanga del Sur (101 gold, 71 silver, 79 bronze) and Dipolog City (87 gold, 88 silver, 65 bronze) placed second and third.

Also included in the list of awards was the Best Saludo which the delegations performed during the commencement of the regional meet. Zamboanga del Sur bagged the Best Saludo performance, followed by Pagadian City and Isabela City ranked as second and third placers. Moreover, the Cleanest Delegation was conferred to Pagadian City and Most Disciplined to Dipolog City.

Despite its rank, Isabela City’s performance has improved. The immense support of the City Government of Isabela de Basilan paved the way for coaches and athletes to excel more and perform better. Isabela City Mayor Hon. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman led the city’s delegation during the closing ceremony. Present also were Congressman Mujiv Hataman and Board Member Amin Hataman who continued to inspire the athletes through his wisdom and kindness. Leading DepEd Isabela City were SDS Jay S. Montealto, ASDS Maria Laarni T. Villanueva and EPS-DSO Arnel B. Hajan.

The night unfolded and a sea of memories flowed across the complex toward the end of the ceremony, reflecting all the hard work and dedication of the coaches, athletes, technical officials, delegation officials, and volunteers. The dazzling firework shot straight up and shattered into thousands of sparks did not only bring amusement among spectators but hope and light for the qualified athletes who will represent Region IX in the forthcoming Palarong Pambansa.

#ZPRAA2024 #HapIsabelaSwaBe

By: Josiah F. Tuballa

Photos by: Irene Reyes, Christianvil Garcia, Marlon San Luis