Mayor Khymer Olaso together with his Chief of Staff and Secretary Celso Lobregat and City Administrator Percival Ramos led recognition rites for medal winners in recent national Judo, Arnis and Dancesports competitions during the flag raising ceremony held at the City Hall grounds Monday, September 15.

Honored were the WMSU Phyton and Ateneo Judo Clubs which hauled a total of 11 gold, 7 silver and 12 bronze medals during the 2nd Mindanao Invitational Judo Championships held at Mintal, Davao City from August 23-24, 2025. Of the total medal haul for Zamboanga City, 7 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze medals were contributed by the MWSU Phyton Judo Club while 4 gold, 3 silver and 8 bronze medals were secured by the Ateneo Judo Club.

The Zamboanga Arnis team captured 13 gold, 9 silver and 11 bronze medals during the 40th Kadayawan sa Davao Zubiri Cup Invitational Arnis Tournament held from August 23 – 25 in Davao City.

The city likewise acknowledged the efforts of the El Basico Dancesports Team which garnered 23 gold, 10 silver and 9 bronze medals and the Curves Dancesports Team which captured 16 gold, 25 silver and 21 bronze medals during the WDSF Open 2025 and PDSF 3rd Quarter National Dancesport Championships 2025 held from August 22-24, 2025 in Davao City.

“I am very proud of you! Please keep up the good work,” Mayor Olaso said as he lauded the athletes for their exemplary performance that brought honor and fame to Zamboanga City.

Meanwhile, the chief executive vowed to have a better and structure screening process for athletes to represent Zamboanga City in future competitions, as he tasked City Sports Officer Dr. Cecil Atilano to immediately confer with City Budget Officer Gerldine de la Paz and come up with a program on how to select athletes to represent Zamboanga City in various local or national competitions.

Mayor Olaso with proper selection policies, the city can give all out support to the city’s representatives. At present, different groups join competitions representing the city sans official and technical support from the local government.

“Developing athletes is very costly but we have to train the young so they will not engage in vices and other prohibited activities,” the mayor said, adding: “Remember, the first athlete to win the Philipppine’s first-ever Olympic gold is from the Zamboanga City – Ms. Hidilyn Diaz.” (Sheila Covarrubias) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)