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Local athletes and coaches from Kaitagi Judo Club, Baguio Central University, and the University of Baguio Judo Varsity were honored for their outstanding performance in the 2026 Philippine National Judo Championships during flag-raising rites at City Hall, May 18. The teams brought home a total of 18 medals.
Through Resolution No. 242, series of 2026, the City of Baguio formally commended the athletes and their coaches for their achievements during the national competition held in Navotas, Metro Manila, from March 21 to 22, this year.
The recognition highlighted their dedication and collective effort in bringing pride and honor to the city and their respective institutions.
The delegation secured four gold medals during the tournament. In the kids category, Jethro Zuch Kim and Caiden S. Lactaotao of Kaitagi Judo Club each claimed gold medals. Zack Laurence Berol of the University of Baguio-Kaitagi also captured gold in the juvenile category, while Juan Gawwi Bulayo of Kaitagi Judo Club topped the cadets division.
They also earned ten silver medals. Representing Kaitagi Judo Club in the kids category were Ivan Nikolai Penchon and David Beets Kim. In the juvenile category, silver medalists included Amir A. Wasan, Zeb Neezel Oropeza, and Alayne Joy D. Albon of Kaitagi Judo Club, along with Oleus Dranreb Banta of the University of Baguio-Kaitagi.
In the cadets division, Romina Wrye Macaspac and Irish Joy Fernandez of Kaitagi Judo Club, together with Jan Samuel DiΓ±o of the University of Baguio-Kaitagi, also secured silver medals. Completing the list was Mark Francis Quirimit of UST-Kaitagi, who earned silver in the seniors category.
Four bronze medals were added to the teamβs impressive haul. Reiden Mayuga and Elijah Shawn Mendoza of Kaitagi Judo Club won bronze medals in the cadets category, while Denver Sugot and Mara Russel Suerte of the University of Baguio Judo Club both placed in the seniors division.
Oleus Dranreb Y. Banta, a 13-year-old silver medalist from Kaitagi Judo Club, expressed gratitude for the support they received throughout the competition.
βThey believed in us, and that made us push through in the competition,β Banta said, emphasizing the importance of encouragement and teamwork behind every success.
To prepare for the national tournament, the athletes underwent rigorous training that included early morning calisthenics, jogging, running, and weightlifting sessions.
Kaitagi Judo Club coach Sharon Kaybelle DiΓ±o praised the athletes for their dedication, discipline, and perseverance.
βI think with their abilities, their skills, and their technique, we could move forward,β she said.
The team is now preparing for the upcoming National Kurash Competition to be held at the Mall of Asia on June 28, 2026 and they hope to qualify for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Juniors Team through the event.- Makim Lorenzana/PIO-Baguio Intern/gabykeith
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