LEGAZPI CITY – Even Typhoon Carina couldn’t dampen the spirit of John Rods Bongcayat in achieving his goal of winning his second gold medal in the 2024 Private School Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games at the Bicol University Sports Complex here.

Bongcayat, 16, braved the intense rainfall and strong winds at the venue to dominate the track anew by ruling the boys’ 3000-meter steeplechase on Tuesday, July 23, clocking 10 minutes and 29.8 seconds to outshine Region V’s Clark Samar (10:31.1) and Romel Romero (11:06.4).

The incoming Grade 12-GAS student said he dedicated his latest feat to his mother Alma, a housewife.

“Gusto ko sana pag-uwi ko doon suotin nila tong medal, and para sayo to, Mama. Para sa pamilya ko to,” said Bongcayat, who was fresh from his stint at the 2024 Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City last week.

A standout at EMAR Human and Environmental College Inc., Bongcayat first made his presence felt by capturing the boys’ 5000m on opening day where he timed 17:07.3.

He said he wanted to follow the footsteps of national team member Sonny Wagdos, who also hails from Davao.

“Gusto ko balang araw maging member ng national team din ako. Pagsisikapan ko pong maabot yon,” Bongcayat said.

In swimming, Hans Iñigo Parreño claimed his first gold by winning the boys 13-18 200m freestyle in 2:05.63.

In men’s volleyball, Ilocos (Region I) stunned Eastern Visayas (Region VIII), 15-6, 6-15, 15-7, while Central Visayas (Region VII) crushed Western Mindanao (Region IX), 17-15, 15-10.

Dance sports, boxing and chess events kicked off as well on Tuesday.