DAVAO CITY – Davao City continued its dominance in this year’s Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet after clinching the overall title in convincing fashion recently.

The Durians won 158 gold, 115 silver, and 112 bronze medals in the sports meet held at the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao Sports Complex.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who attended the closing ceremony of the DAVRAA Meet 2024, congratulated the Durians and all the student-athletes for their hard work and perseverance.

“For those who did not win the game, believe in yourself, keep going, and always give your best. For those who won, stay humble as there might be someone better in the future,” Duterte said.

He said that sports teach athletes a good lesson in life that they can carry with them as they grow older. He added that what matters most is that they know how to discipline themselves.

Last year, the Durians bagged 174 gold, 109 silver, and 82 bronze medals at the regional meet in Davao del Norte province.

Tagum City secured second place similar to last year, earning 62 gold, 55 silver, and 47 bronze medals, while Davao del Norte placed third, with 61 gold, 50 silver, and 70 bronze medals.

Panabo City moved to fourth place with 22-31-36 medals from fifth last year, surpassing Digos City with 16-34-37 medals which was good for fifth place.

Davao de Oro won 15-30-50 medals, followed by Mati City with 11-15-16, Davao del Sur (10-21-36), Island Garden City of Samal (8-7-8), Davao Occidental (7-9-19), and Davao Oriental (5-9-29).

Mati City advanced to seventh place from ninth last year, while Samal rose to ninth from tenth. Davao del Sur fell to eighth from seventh, and Davao Occidental dropped to tenth from eighth.

Department of Education (DepEd) Davao regional director Allan G. Farnazo thanked the DepEd–Davao City and the Davao City Government for their outstanding hosting of this year’s DAVRAA.

He said that the student-athletes' performance had improved, and teams had recovered from the pandemic, leading to better competitive play.

Farnazo highlighted the significance of sacrifice, persistence, and community support in attaining success. He said the winning athletes will train in preparation for the Palarong Pambansa 2024.

Duterte expressed his full support for the Davao City athletes. He said he would accompany them for the Palarong Pambansa, which will be held in Cebu City from July 9 to 17.