Masbate province emerged as an unexpected source of national pride at the recently concluded 13th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) held in Da Nang, Vietnam. 

Two student-athletes, Courtney Jewel Trangia and Ana Bhianca Gebilaguin Espenilla, defied expectations and clinched the Philippines’ only gold medals in the regional competition.

Trangia, a 17-year-old athlete from Barangay Bongcanaway, Masbate, secured victory in the discus throw event on June 3 with a throw of 37.95 meters. 

Her achievement placed her above competitors from Malaysia (36.84 meters) and Thailand (36.72 meters).

Espenilla, also hailing from Masbate, followed suit on June 4 by clinching the gold medal in the javelin throw event.

Both Trangia and Espenilla are products of the Masbate Sports Academy (MSA), a school division initiative established during the pandemic. 

MSA officials expressed immense pride in their students’ accomplishments, particularly considering Trangia was identified as a promising talent during the academy’s opening.

She is one of the first athletes whose talent was recognized by MSA, allowing her to enroll when they opened during the pandemic.

They also expressed gratitude to those who supported and funded Trangia’s training, enabling her to compete internationally.

The Philippines finished the annual Games in sixth place overall with a total of 30 medals (2 gold, 8 silver, and 20 bronze). 

Vietnam topped the medal tally with 92 medals (44 gold, 31 silver, and 17 bronze), followed by Indonesia (64 medals) and Thailand (58 medals).

“The ASEAN Schools Games is more than just a sports event; it serves as a platform for fostering friendships, understanding diverse cultures, and building a sense of community among our nations. Through these games, we aim to promote not only excellence in sports but also the values of mutual respect, teamwork, and solidarity,” said Bayu Rahadian, speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the ASEAN Schools Sports Council (ASSC) in Indonesia, at the opening ceremony on June 1.

The ASG started as a single-sport event in 1977. In 2009, it transitioned to a multi-sport format, with Thailand hosting the first edition.