Kalinga breaks through in CARAA Weightlifting, thanks to Tanudan and Pasil athletes

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Young weightlifters from Tanudan and Pasil proved that first attempts can already make a mark as they delivered strong performances in the Weightlifting event of the 2026 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet, earning the province’s first medals in the sport.

Governor James S. Edduba, during the inter-agency flag-raising ceremony on March 2, shared the remarkable results of the recently concluded CARAA Meet, where Kalinga hauled 22 gold, 27 silver, and 62 bronze medals—a significant improvement from last year’s 4 gold, 25 silver, and 44 bronze medals.

Edduba highlighted the delegation’s participation in weightlifting, marking Kalinga’s first time to compete in the event. The province secured one silver and two bronze medals.

“Idiay weightlifting, kasalsali tayo laeng, first time tayo ngem nakaala tayo iti medals … nga awan pulos iti training da,” he said.

Arjhay B. Calsiyao of Tanudan Vocational School won silver in the 52-kilogram division, while his schoolmate Aldrin James Magallis earned bronze in the 60-kilogram category. They were coached by Faustino Wandagan and Marlon Adaggan. Another bronze medal was secured by Veamor Taclawan of Batong Buhay National High School in the 40-kilogram division, under the guidance of coaches Angeline Gacadan and Girlie Ao-as.

Meanwhile, Governor Edduba commended the entire Kalinga delegation for their outstanding performance and expressed hope that the province could further improve its standing in future regional meets. “Hopefully ket humabol tayo kuma iti number 3, padasen tayo kuma nga humabol,” he added.