In fitting celebration of the 124th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence, Mayor Beng Climaco Sunday formally recognized Zamboangueño athletes who gave honor and pride to Zamboanga City and the country when they participated in international and national competitions.

The mayor, together with other city officials handed out certificates of recognition to 31st South East Asian Games bronze medalists Rudzma Abubakar (Muay Thai) with coach Nino de los Reyes and Rosegie Ramos (weightlifting) with coach Allen Jayfrus Diaz. The SEA Games was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, May 12-23, 2022.

The other medal winners in the said event are still in Manila while several others were given their recognition when they paid Mayor Climaco a courtesy visit a week ago.

Robick Vohn Villa, bronze medalist (team event) in the chess, U18 biys categirt during the ASEAN Age Group chess championship Zone 3.3 (virtual competition) held April 19-21, 2022 was also honored.

Likewise given recognition and tribute were the athletes and their coaches who participated in the Karatedo Pilipinas National Championship held at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City from May 28-29, 2022. The Zamboanga team harvested 5 gold medals, 3 silver medals and 11 bronze medals.

Recognized were gold medalists Sharief Afif (senior’s Kumite), Angelo Silva (under 21 Kumite), James Clark (Cadet’s Kumite), Abdul Rhasid Antao (Junior’s Kumite) and Vanessa Roxas (under 21 Girl’s Kumite; silver medalists – Rakitishan Jamile Antao (cadet’s Kumite), Robie Gregorio (boy’s Kumite 10-11 years) and Hanica Regino (Kumite Girl’s 12-13 years) and bronze medalists – Kathlyn Ruslana (cadet Girl’s Kumite), Lleshaine Rusiana (Junior Girl’s Kumite), Nurjhan Hakimin (Junior Boy’s Kumite), G-Reb Dolosa (Junior Boy’s Kumite), Ian Zayas (cadet boy’s Kumite), Sittie Julaica Antao (Senior Women’s Kumite), Jeremiah Sarabia (Senior Men’s Kumite), Jullian Pueblo (Junior Boy’s Kumite), Micholo Vergara (Junior Boy’s Kumite), Jilian Anos (12-13 Girl’s Kumite) and Robie Gregorio (Kata Boy’s Novice). The Karatedo Team’s coaches, who were also honored were Head Coach Otto Antao, Assistant head coach Felix Balan Jr. and coaches Jennivieve Capino and Mark Jayson Selomineo. (Sheila Covarrubias)