CAGAYAN de Oro City — Two student-athletes from Samal Senior High School brought home gold and silver medals from the Mindanao Invitational Tournament: Kickboxing Kadayawan 2026 in Davao City, giving their school a podium finish on the regional stage.
Bann Ford R. Quilaton won gold in his division, while schoolmate Tom Emmanuel S. Gonzales secured silver during the Aug. 15 tournament at the Lyceum of the Philippines University Davao in Buhangin.
Representing the Island Garden City of Samal, the young fighters competed against kickboxers from across Mindanao in Point Fighting, Kick Light and Forms.
The tournament carried the theme “One culture, one fight, one Mindanao” and was organized by the Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas and King’s Sword Martial Arts, in partnership with the Davao City Sports Development Division, the City Government of Davao and LPU Davao.
The event formed part of the annual Kadayawan Festival celebrations.
Samal Senior High School officials praised Quilaton and Gonzales for their discipline, perseverance and sportsmanship, saying their performance brought pride to their school and community.
The school also said the athletes' achievement shows how dedication and hard work can help young competitors reach the regional stage.
Their victories are expected to inspire more Samal students to pursue sports while balancing competition with their studies.
