Buzzing past the competition with a swarm of speed and strategy, the DMMMSU runners dominated the athletics medal tally at the Philippine Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Games 2023 Luzon Leg in the Philippine Army category.

Held at Cavite State University in Indang, Cavite on September 18-19, DMMMSU athletes bagged a total of 9 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals.

On the first day of competition, Jay Mark Balicha seized gold in the 200m dash men’s event with an impressive time of 23.4 seconds. He was closely followed by Richard Caralipio, who captured the silver with a time of 23.5 seconds. In the men’s 4x100m relay, DMMMSU’s team comprising of Richard Onag Caralipio, Russel Jay Lacuata, Jay Mark Balicha, and John Lourenz Nieva stormed to victory, clinching another gold. The women’s 4x100m relay team, consisting of Realyn Pascua, Diana Pearl Patindol, Jovelyn Alpon, and Mary Joy Madriaga, secured a bronze medal.

The stellar performances continued into the second day, with DMMMSU’s men and women’s 4x400m relay teams capturing gold and silver medals, respectively. Jay Mark Balicha added another medal to his haul, securing a bronze in the 100m dash.

The athletes’ remarkable performance is attributed to their rigorous three-month training regimen, spearheaded by a dedicated coaching staff including Coach Danny Bagano, Coach Mary Grace Ronquillo, Coach James Galima, Coach Edmar Fontanilla, and Coach Danica Merza. The training commenced in July, before the start of the academic year.

Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to the National ROTC Games, where the medalists from DMMMSU are slated to represent Luzon. The games serve as a collaboration among multiple organizations, including the Commission on Higher Education, Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Sports Commission. (By Zander Christopher Mercado)