Team Zambales is off to a strong start in the 2026 Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA), racking up medals and aiming for the top spot to qualify for the 2027 Palarong Pambansa.
The CLRAA, featuring student-athletes from the seven provinces of Region III under DepEd, kicked off last March 21 in Tarlac, co-hosting this year’s meet with Aurora. As of March 25, Zambales ranked second overall with 18 gold, 22 silver, and 25 bronze medals, narrowly trailing Bataan’s 24-17-12 tally. Defending champion Olongapo City follows with 18-22-17, Bulacan with 16-20-22, and Tarlac with 13-6-13.
Zambales started strong on Day 1, with swimmers clinching gold in the 200m freestyle for elementary boys and girls. Day 2 saw more victories, including gold in the 50m butterfly for elementary girls and the 4x500m medley relay.
Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. visited the athletes at New Clark City Athletics Stadium, pledging continued provincial support and urging them to “Go for gold.” He added that the early success reflects the province’s focus on sports development and hints at more victories ahead.
Zambales is also preparing to host the 2027 Palarong Pambansa, investing P500 million in a new sports complex in Iba and implementing a comprehensive training program for athletes.
Jade Ballesteros of the Provincial Sports Development Office said local athletes are eager to sustain their winning momentum as the Tarlac stage wraps up Friday. The second stage, hosted by Aurora from April 9–13 after Holy Week, will feature competitions in archery, arnis, basketball, dancesport, football, futsal, sepak takraw, table tennis, and volleyball.
