CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Two young swimmers from Liceo de Cagayan University are set to carry Cagayan de Oro’s flag at the 2026 Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) National Championships in Tarlac this October.
Jewel Zelene M. Ferrera and Neil Christian Salvador earned national berths after strong performances in two regional qualifying meets in Dapitan and Iligan cities.
The Titan swimmers will compete at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac, on Oct. 2–4, where they will test their skills against some of the country’s top young swimmers.
Ferrera, a grade school swimmer, showed her versatility across both qualifying legs. In Dapitan on July 11–12, she competed in the 50-meter backstroke, 100-meter individual medley, 800-meter freestyle, and relay events.
She continued her strong run in Iligan on Aug. 8–9, earning top finishes in the 400-meter freestyle, 100-meter breaststroke, and relay races.
Her national qualification adds to an impressive season that included silver and bronze medals for Northern Mindanao in the regional athletic meet.
Salvador, meanwhile, displayed his endurance and versatility during the Iligan leg, competing in all four core strokes. He swept his heats in the 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle, 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke, 50-meter butterfly, and 100-meter breaststroke.
For CDO swimming fans, the national championships will be a chance to watch two of the city’s promising young athletes compete on one of the country’s premier aquatic stages.
Liceo officials praised the swimmers’ discipline and determination as they prepare for the national competition.
“Their discipline, hard work, and relentless drive in the pool embody what it means to be a Liceo Titan,” the university said, adding that it supports Ferrera and Salvador as they represent the school and Cagayan de Oro.
