Team Zambales secured a second overall finish in the 2026 Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA), competing against 21 school divisions in Region III.
Based on the official medal tally from the Department of Education Region 3, Zambales earned 53 gold, 42 silver, and 79 bronze medals. The division also placed 1st runner-up in the elementary level and 2nd runner-up in the secondary level.
Bulacan emerged as overall champion with 106 gold medals, while Olongapo City placed third with a 48-45-44 medal haul.
Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. lauded the team’s performance, citing their determination and the pride they brought to the province. He also expressed optimism as the delegation prepares for the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2026 set from May 24 to 31 in Agusan del Sur.
The Schools Division Office of Zambales highlighted the team’s steady rise—from 9th place in 2023, dropping to 11th in 2024, then climbing to 3rd in 2025—before achieving this year’s runner-up finish.
Among the highlights was a strong debut in pencak silat, where first-time athletes captured 11 of 16 gold medals, along with three silver and two bronze finishes. The team also collected 11 gold medals each in swimming and athletics, showing marked improvement from last year.
Zambales also made its first appearance in pole vault, immediately securing a gold medal in the secondary girls’ category.
The CLRAA 2026 games were held in two phases, from March 21 to 27 in Tarlac and April 6 to 13 in Aurora. Awards were received by Schools Division Superintendent William Roderick Fallorin, Provincial Sports Development Officer Jade Ballesteros, and Board Member Carl Eric Rico during the ceremony on April 13 in Aurora.
