ONE MORE TIME: Pinukpuk to host provincial sports showdown in Kalinga this December

PINUKPUK, Kalinga — The Municipality of Pinukpuk is once again set to take center stage as preparations get underway for the second phase of the Kalinga Provincial Meet, tentatively scheduled for December 14 to 18, 2026.

The province’s seven municipalities are expected to send their young athletes to Pinukpuk for another round of competition before the year ends.

The planned hosting was reported by the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) of the Provincial Government of Kalinga during the Management Committee (MANCOM) meeting on Monday, Sept. 21.

Local Youth Development Officer I Johnny Dona-al said the second phase was initially expected to be hosted by Tanudan based on earlier discussions, but the concerned groups later agreed to hold the competition in Pinukpuk.

“Ti provincial meet, supposed to be in Tanudan, based on previous meetings, nag-agree da nga apan da agkuwa dia Pinukpuk. So, mayat sa ti resulta na, ti tentative date ket December 14-18,” Dona-al said.

Pinukpuk previously hosted the 2026 Kalinga Provincial Meet in January, where more than 3,000 athletes from the province’s municipalities competed in various sports. The municipality emerged as the overall champion after collecting 100 gold, 83 silver and 64 bronze medals.

For the second phase, athletes are expected to compete in sports including boxing, arnis, athletics, badminton, table tennis, billiards, volleyball and basketball, among others.

Governor James S. Edduba explained that the province is holding two provincial meets this year because of changes in the Department of Education school calendar, which affected the scheduling of the provincial sporting event.

He said the usual arrangement of holding the provincial meet once a year is expected to resume next year.

“Maning duwa ti provincial meet tayo tata nga tawen, gagangay na ta diay kua ti DepEd. Nu next year ton maminsan ton ngem nu tata talaga maningduwa tayo,” Edduba said.

With Pinukpuk again preparing to host the province-wide competition, athletes and coaches are expected to return to the municipality for another opportunity to compete, sharpen their skills and vie for provincial honors.