JERALYN Rodriguez of the National Capital Region showed how serious she is in defending her crowns in the coming 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.
The 17-year-old Rodriguez got upbeat of her chances after beating national team mainstay Bernalyn Bejoy in the women’s 400-meter run of the recent National Open in Capas, Tarlac.
“It’s very exciting and I felt pressured, because I was competing against a member of the national team,” said Rodriguez, who is seeking to retain her titles in the secondary women’s 400-meter and 800-meter run when she steps on the oval of the Ferdinand Marcos Stadium next week.
During the National Open, Rodriguez, an 11th grader, finished the 400-meter run in 55.67 seconds, with Bejoy behind at 55.98 seconds.
Her clocking in the national open was below the Palaro mark of 56.28 seconds, which Jessel Lumapas set back in 2018.
Though Rodriguez did not run the finals of the 800 meters, she still remains confident that she she can outrun Bohot standout Emely Balunan, who won the gold in the women’s under-18 event in the open.
Calamba City and Calabarzon bet Lorraine Batalla is her main rival in the 400-meter action of the Palarong Pambansa.
Another good podium finish in the Palarong Pambansa will be a good motivation for her to seek a slot in the national team, according to Rodriguez.
The 65th edition of the games, considered as the country’s premier sports event at the elementary and high school level, will begin in Ilocos Norte on May 24 with the theme, “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan” (United Archipelago).
Some 15,000 delegates are coming, including student-athletes, coaches and officials from 20 athletic associations of the county’s 18 regions.
Participants include those in the National Academy of Sports, and the Philippine Schools Overseas, who will participate in 34 sports.
