Global victory, local pride: Agusan Sur celebrates athletes’ international wins
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Four athletes from Agusan del Sur brought pride to their families and the entire province after winning medals in international sports competitions held in Thailand late last year.
Three athletes earned podium finishes in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held from December 11 to 20, 2025, while another captured gold in the Spartan Beast Race on November 29, 2025.
Stefi Marithe A. Aludo of Trento, Agusan del Sur, secured two bronze medals in women’s lawn tennis—one in doubles and another in the team category. At 19 years old, Aludo was the youngest Filipino delegate in her category and marked her first SEA Games appearance with a victorious debut under coach Bobie Angelo.
Sonny M. Wagdos of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, won bronze in the 5,000-meter run, coached and trained by Eduardo Buenavista. Meanwhile, Artjoy Torregosa of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, captured silver in the marathon 42-kilometer event under coach Arvin Loberanis.
In a separate competition, Elias Tabac of Bayugan City conquered the Spartan Beast Race in Wisdom Valley, Pattaya, Thailand. Tabac completed the 21-kilometer course with 35 obstacles to claim the gold medal, coached by Thumbie Remigio and trained by Sherwin Muhammad Managil.
The Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) honored the athletes during a courtesy visit to Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr. on January 5. “Your victories bring inspiration to your fellow youth, especially here in Agusan del Sur. You are testaments of how Agsurnons can rise above the rest, even on the international stage,” said Governor Cane.
Aludo expressed gratitude for her unexpected SEA Games selection, saying, “I feel really blessed for even having been selected to compete in the SEA Games, as I did not expect to get in. I was just an ordinary girl who dreamt of being part of the national team.” She also thanked those who supported her morally and financially throughout her journey.
Torregosa, who began her athletic career in division meets before representing Caraga in the Palarong Pambansa, shared how sports became her path to education. Despite financial struggles, she became a varsity scholar in Cebu, balancing academics and athletics.
To further recognize their achievements, Governor Cane awarded them cash incentives: P50,000 for Tabac as gold medalist; P40,000 for Torregosa as silver medalist, and P30,000 each for Aludo and Wagdos as bronze medalists.
The athletes welcomed the recognition, noting that consistent support from families, communities, and government can inspire Filipino athletes to excel internationally and bring honor to the country. (NJGD/PIA Caraga with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)
Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr. welcomed the four Agsurnon athletes who won in the international sports events as they paid him a courtesy visit on January 5, 2026, at the provincial capitol. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur.)
