TUGUEGARAO, Cagayan – Jhonn Marc Dizon of Central Visayas secured his second consecutive victory in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2025 Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games held at the Cagayan Sports Complex on Tuesday, April 8.

Dizon crossed the finish line with a time of 10 minutes and 0.9 seconds, edging out Ken Jay Moreto of Western Visayas (10:08.9) and Francis Michael Pueblo, also of Western Visayas (10:14.😎, to claim the top spot.

The 22-year-old Special Education student at the University of San Carlos in Cebu was elated with his performance, noting the dedication he put into preparing for this event. “I focused my training on the 3000m steeplechase because I know it’s my strength,” Dizon shared after the race. “I had high confidence going into the competition, and I’m happy to achieve my goal.”

This victory marks a significant repeat of his win from the 2024 PRISAA Games in Legazpi City, Albay. In 2023, Dizon made a promising debut at the national event, finishing fourth in the steeplechase.

Looking ahead, Dizon is aiming for another strong performance in the 10,000-meter run on Friday, where he faces stiff competition, including fellow Cebuano athlete Mark Mahinay, who successfully defended his 5,000-meter title earlier in the week.

“I’m expecting a strong challenge, but I came prepared. I’m focused on performing my best,” Dizon said, expressing confidence ahead of his next event.

Beyond the PRISAA Games, Dizon will join the national track and field team at the Philippine Open set for May 1 to 4 at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. His strong showing in the Cebu leg of the 7-Eleven 21-kilometer marathon in February earned him a spot on the national team for the upcoming competition in Pattaya, Thailand, scheduled for July.

In the boys’ 3000m steeplechase, Ken Ryzen Herrera of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) took home the gold, clocking in at 10:30.5, followed by Clark Andrew Samar of Bicol Region (10:34.2) and Kent Miles Cabasa of Western Visayas (10:45.5).

Other notable PRISAA Games winners include:

Matt Atanas (men’s shot put), Luis Emmanuel Sombilon (boys’ shot put), and Maribell Regala (girls’ long jump) of Western Visayas

John Edward Carbonell (boys’ 110m hurdles) and Rhain Chantal Ayesha Viado (girls’ 100m hurdles) of CAR

Leishen Kate Masangkay (girls’ 400m) and Xyndrex Chris Orinion (boys’ 400m) of CAR

Angel Mae Saysay (women’s 5,000m) of CAR

Jumar Torremocha (men’s 110m hurdles) of Central Visayas

Angelie Teorima (women’s 100m hurdles) of Ilocos Region

Ruby Lorete (women’s 400m) of Central Luzon

Renzo King Catulay (boys’ 400m) and Marja Jean Bacaro (women’s long jump) of Negros Island Region

The ongoing PRISAA National Games continues to showcase the best of the Philippines’ young athletic talents as they compete for glory in various track and field events.

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