CPU-Golden Lions Archery Team

2026 PALARO TU AGSUR ARCHERY UPDATE

Day 2 | 30m and 50m Distances 🏹

The 2026 Palarong Pambansa Archery Event Qualifying Round officially started today, May 27, at the Labnig Open Area in Labnig, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

It was a fierce battle in the 30m Distance, where every arrow counted. Our very own Rapha Eliel Velasquez, representing Central Philippine University - CPU and the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA), ranked 6th with a total score of 342 — his personal best score in competition so far.

The 50m Distance was held in the afternoon, with the threat of rain and lightning looming overhead. Despite a brief lightning delay, the competition resumed without incident. Rapha clinched 3rd place with a score of 320, another personal best. With this result, he is assured of bringing home at least one Bronze Medal.

With these combined results, Rapha is currently ranked 4th overall.

Tomorrow will be the Qualifying Round for the 60m and 70m Distances.

Two distances down. Two more to go.

To God be the glory. 🏹🎯

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13 🙏

CPU Golden Lions Archer Rapha Eliel Velasquez proudly carrying the banner of Region VI – WVRAA — with coach Gibby Velasquez by his side every step of the way.

They compete from May 26–30. Please include them in your prayers — for steady hands, a focused mind, and a heart full of faith.

We are behind you, Rapha. Play for God’s glory! 🏹💛💙

𝐂𝐏𝐔 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐀 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 🏹

BACOLOD CITY — Central Philippine University made history as its archery team competed in the National PRISAA (Private Schools Athletic Association) Tournament for the very first time, fielding a combined lineup of Secondary and Tertiary archers who showcased the university’s trust that the team can deliver.

After 8 days of competition, the team returns with something no classroom can teach — real tournament experience. For some of them, stepping onto a national tournament stage for the very first time is already a milestone in itself, and one well worth celebrating.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌
Representing CPU in the Secondary Division:
🎯 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳 — Grade 9, CPU Junior High School
🎯 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐲 — Grade 9, CPU Junior High School
🎯 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐚 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐕𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐳 — Grade 11, ABM SHS

Representing CPU in the Tertiary Division:
🎯 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐂𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐝𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 — College of Computer Studies
🎯 𝐄𝐝𝐜𝐲𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐝 — College of Arts & Sciences, BS Biology

Coaches:
Gabriel D. Velasquez
Sharlyn Joy S. Velasquez

𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
In what can only be described as a stunning performance, Rapha Eliel Velasquez made his mark on the national stage, bringing home an impressive haul of 5 Silver medals and 1 Bronze across multiple events:

🥉 30M Distance — Bronze
🥈 50M Distance — Silver
🥈 60M Distance — Silver
🥈 70M Distance — Silver
🥈 1440 Round — Silver
🥈 Olympic Round — Silver

As an experienced archer, Rapha simply did what he has always done — show up, focus, and give his best. That six medals followed is a quiet but powerful reminder of what this team is capable of, and what is possible when an athlete truly commits to the sport.

𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of their parents, who stood behind their children every step of the way — from early morning call times to the range, logistical support, to cheering them on from afar during this national competition.

The team extends its heartfelt gratitude to President Ernest Howard Dagohoy, Vice President for Student Affairs Esther R. Romarate, Sports Office headed by Director Engr. Marc Hermel Agriam , Sir Sibbs and Staff, and the WVPRISAA Board headed by Ms. Ive Sta. Ana of JBLFU for their invaluable support and guidance.

To everyone who cheered, lifted the team up in prayer, and extended resources to make this journey possible — this milestone belongs to you as well. Thank you. 🙏💙

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐏𝐔 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 — 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 — 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 to keep these athletes competing at the national level. If you believe in what this team represents, your support in any form (improvement of range, cash, equipment, practice space, uniforms) means the world to the team.

This milestone marks the beginning of what promises to be a bright future for Golden Lions Archers. The team carried the CPU banner with pride and heart, and every arrow released was a testament to the work they have poured into their training.

The road ahead is long — but the CPU Golden Lions Archery Team has officially arrived. 💛💙🏹

For JESUS, Our Alma Mater, Iloilo City, and Western Visayas.

Central Philippine University - CPU CPU Golden Lions

Day 1 Official Practice
U18M/U25M Distance 1 & 2

2026 National PRISAA Parade and Opening Ceremonies

Thank you CPU President Ernest Howard Dagohoy and Vice President for Student Affairs Esther R. Romarate for visiting our athletes at Bacolod National High School. Your presence, prayers, and encouragement boosted their morale as they prepare for their event.

To God be the Glory!

Congratulations to Archer Rapha Eliel Velasquez, Grade 11 ABM of CPU Senior High School, for winning bronze in the U21 Men’s Olympic Round in the 2025 Archery Grassroots Development Program Leg 1 in Talisay City.

Central Philippine University - CPU
CPU Golden Lions