DAVAO — The Tionko Football Field has been transformed into a hub of precision and focus as Davao hosts three national archery tournaments this week. The series, running from August 17 to 23, 2026, brings together the country's top young archers and marks a significant moment for the sport in Mindanao.
A Home Ground for Archery
The event opened with the 2026 PSC-WAP Philippine Barebow Championship Leg 3 on August 17-18. It was followed by Leg 3 of the Philippine Archery Cup on August 19-20. The Philippine Youth Archery Cup will close the series from August 21 to 23. Hosting these events locally is a game-changer for provincial athletes.
Jonathan Rex Josol, president and head coach of Davao Archery Club Inc., emphasized the importance of bringing national events to Mindanao. Most archers usually travel to Luzon for competitions, which is costly and limits participation. This regionalized approach gives talented individuals a chance to compete without the burden of expensive travel.
The tournaments also serve a bigger purpose. Organizers will assess the performances for possible inclusion in next year's national team. This makes every arrow shot at Tionko Football Field a potential ticket to a national squad spot.
Strength of the Home Club
Davao Archery Club fielded 48 entries across the three tournaments, showcasing the depth of local talent. The club's participation spans multiple divisions, from barebow to youth categories. The early podium finishes in the opening barebow competition gave the team a morale boost.
The series featured the barebow discipline first, a style that relies purely on skill. Without modern accessories like sights and stabilizers, barebow archery tests an archer's raw talent and instinct. It is a return to the fundamentals of the sport.
The host club's strong showing reflects years of quiet growth in the local archery scene. While basketball and volleyball dominate, archery is carving its niche. The city's dedicated range at Lanang Business Park has provided a home for the sport to grow.
Building a Future from the Ground Up
The tournaments drew archers from across the country, turning Davao into a temporary national hub. Participants from Luzon, the Visayas, and various parts of Mindanao converged in the city. This convergence fosters camaraderie and raises the level of competition for local athletes.
Josol acknowledged that archery is still finding its place among mainstream sports. But the growing participation and strong performances suggest a bright future. The sport is gaining ground, one competition at a time.
For Mindanao's young archers, this week is more than just a tournament. It is proof that opportunities can come to them, not the other way around. The national series in Davao represents a significant step toward a more inclusive sports landscape.
