Pinukpuk is overall champion of Kalinga Provincial Meet 2026 with 100 gold, 83 silver, and 64 bronze medals

Pinukpuk, Kalinga - After three days of exciting and competitive games, the Kalinga Provincial Athletic Meet 2026 officially ended on Saturday, January 17, with a closing program held at Pinukpuk Central School in Barangay Taga, Pinukpuk.

The sports-fest was held from January 14 to 17, 2026, carrying the theme “One Province, One Spirit: Fostering Unity, Teamwork, and Sportsmanship Through Sports,” highlighting not only the pursuit of medals but also unity, discipline, and teamwork among young athletes of Kalinga.

According to the Department of Education (DepEd) Kalinga, more than 3,000 athletes participated in the province’s biggest sporting event. Delegations came from the municipalites of Balbalan, Lubuagan, Tanudan, Tinglayan, Pinukpuk, Pasil, and Rizal.

Kalinga Governor James S. Edduba, Vice Governor Dave Odiem, mayors of said towns, and other stakeholders showed strong support from the athletes’ preparations up to the final day of competition, demonstrating what a true leader means are.

This year’s Provincial Meet was extra special as it was hosted by Pinukpuk for the first time, under the leadership of Mayor Jimmy B. Dasayon and Vice Mayor Shirlynne B. Dasayon-Alunday.

Aside from the sports events, the host municipality also showcased its local products, handicrafts, warm hospitality, and rich culture.

Official Overall Results

After three days of intense competition was the much-awaited awarding ceremony, which recognized the athletes and delegations for their efforts and achievements.

Based on the official medal tally of the Provincial DepEd, Pinukpuk emerged as the Overall Champion of the Kalinga Provincial Meet 2026, collecting a total of 247 medals, composed of 100 gold, 83 silver, and 64 bronze medals.

Defending champion Rizal placed second overall with 61 gold, 68 silver, and 58 bronze medals, for a total of 187 medals, while Balbalan landed in third place with 198 total medals (58 gold, 76 silver, and 64 bronze).

Meanwhile, Tanudan claimed fourth place with a total of 91 medals ( 40 gold, 24 silver, and 27 bronze); Tinglayan ranked fifth with 97 medals ( 34 gold, 20 silver, 43 bronze); Lubuagan placed sixth with 85 medals ( 27 gold, 31 silver, and 27 bronze); while Pasil landed in seventh place with 74 medals ( 17 gold, 22 silver, and 35 bronze).