Bohol — Governor Aris Aumentado warmly welcomed three young weightlifters to the Provincial Capitol on June 29, 2026, celebrating their determination and podium finishes at the 2026 National Weightlifting Championships. The athletes competed in General Santos City just as a devastating earthquake rocked the region, yet they refused to let the disaster derail their dreams.
A Shaky Start to a National Competition
The national championships, held from June 6 to 12, gathered around 300 of the country’s best lifters. For Bohol’s contingent, the event was not only a shot at glory but also a gateway to the Asian Games selection. Rich Niño Montecino, Princess May Montecino, and RayJoe Bedolido arrived with a singular focus.
That focus was tested violently on the morning of June 8. A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck offshore of Sarangani, sending intense tremors through General Santos City. Buildings suffered severe damage, power was cut, and the city was placed under a state of calamity. The Boholano athletes, staying at the GenSan Foundation College, hunkered down with their coaches amid relentless aftershocks.
Lifting Through the Tremors
Despite the chaos around them, the Montecino siblings found strength on the platform. Rich Niño and Princess May, both hailing from Dauis, secured podium finishes in their respective weight categories. Their performances became a beacon of hope for the entire Bohol delegation, proving that even the strongest ground shaking could not break their concentration.
RayJoe Bedolido likewise gave an admirable performance, showcasing the depth of Bohol’s grassroots weightlifting program. The athletes’ ability to compartmentalize fear and execute technically demanding lifts drew praise from officials and competitors alike. Their success story spread quickly, inspiring fellow youth across the island province.
A Coach with a Historic Pedigree
Behind the athletes stands Coach Liza Jaluag, a pioneer in Philippine women’s weightlifting. She was a member of the country’s first female national team that debuted internationally at the 1991 Southeast Asian Games. Her own journey taught her that champions are forged in adversity.
Jaluag runs the Dauis Weightlifting Gym, a grassroots hub that has become a nursery for future Olympians. She accompanied the 13‑athlete delegation to General Santos and ensured their safety throughout the crisis. Governor Aumentado expressed deep gratitude for her unwavering mentorship, recognizing that medals are the result of years of quiet, patient coaching.
Provincial Government Backing Youth Sports
The Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO), led by Metodio Maraguinot Jr., played a critical role in supporting the athletes’ journey. The PYDO’s HANAS program bridges community‑based training with high‑performance development, ensuring that talents from remote municipalities like Dauis are not overlooked. The Capitol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap anchors these efforts, aiming to position Bohol as a premier sports tourism destination.
During the courtesy visit, Governor Aumentado commended the athletes for proudly representing the Bohol Island Geopark. Their resilience, he noted, mirrors the spirit of Boholanos who rise stronger after every calamity. The province sees sport as a vehicle for youth empowerment, discipline, and community pride.
Seeds of Future Gold
The national championships served as a selection ground for the Asian Games, and the Montecino siblings now have a realistic shot at donning the national colors. Their performance, achieved under extreme conditions, has caught the attention of national coaches. With continued support from the PYDO and Coach Jaluag’s expertise, Bohol could soon produce another weightlifting star on the international stage.
