LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Marlou Salacup overcame physical discomfort to secure Kalinga’s eighth gold medal, clearing the 1.75-meter mark to win the secondary boys’ high jump at the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) meet Wednesday.
The Grade 12 student from Cawagayan National High School in Pinukpuk bested competitors from Abra and Benguet to earn a spot in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur. The victory was a redemption for Salacup, who earlier in the meet settled for silver in the triple jump.
“I didn’t feel well because my stomach was hurting,” Salacup said in Iloco.
The win marks a significant improvement for Salacup, who took home a silver medal in the 2025 CARAA meet after clearing 1.74 meters. He attributed this year’s success to a more disciplined approach to his preparation.
“I really had to focus because I didn’t take my training seriously last year,” Salacup said, noting he dedicated more time to his craft this season.
Kalinga currently sits at number four in the over-all standings as of 7:00 PM of Feb. 25 with 8-7-18 courtesy of gold medalists Calleigh Duqueyne Paga (Long Jump, Triple Jump), Rogie Vuestre Columna (100M Freestyle, 200M Medley Relay), Bea Minerva Itay (Discus Throw), Jeahyun Ordona (50M Butterfly), and Kristofer Antonio (Kyorugi – Group 3).
As of 7 p.m. Feb. 25, Baguio City continues to dominate the overall standings with a 96-29 29 medal haul, while host Benguet (25-39-27) and Apayao (15-17-35) battle for the runner-up spot.
Host province Benguet solidified its second-place ranking through a strong showing in Arnis. Sisters Aizle Callie and Naturi Brielle Bahingawan, alongside Jhen Chloe Berato, swept the Team Double Weapon, Single Weapon, and Sword & Dagger events. On the mats, Ryvan Ateo-an and Leonardo Laluan Jr. of Benguet National High School secured victories in the male divisions.
On the track, Bryner Bio of Longboy Elementary became a dual-gold medalist in the 110m hurdles and 200m dash, while Ayesa Olas of Adaoay National High School swept the discus throw and shot put. Benguet also added golds in billiards, chess, swimming (Xian Thyrell Sambot, 100m backstroke), and Pencak Silat (Shaniah Mangapac and Jeianna Mae Pakiwon).
Apayao remains in striking distance of second place, bolstered by a seven-gold haul in gymnastics and additional victories in arnis, athletics, chess, and weightlifting. Roderick Osis