Borongan City is sending its future champions (juniors team) to Siargao to compete in the opening season of the surfing nationals sanctioned by the United Philippine Surfing Association (UPSA). Two legs are set to be held in 2 different locations.
Four top junior athletes were chosen to represent Borongan City and the Eastern Visayas region, accompanied by seasoned Boronganon surfers Jeffrey Puwa Allegre and Oliver Tyson Esplago, who serve as guardians and support coaches for the contingent.
Danica Lebrilla, 14 years old, is the lone wahine shortboard and longboard competitor from Borongan. She was awarded the best local surfer in the Surf in the City Nationals in December 2021. She is currently ranked 9th in the women open longboard category and 17th in the open womens shortboard among other women surfers in the country. Danica is competing in both the open and juniors category, the only athlete competing in two age categories and divisions.
Meanwhile, Edgar Calvo, 17 years old, is considered one of the best longboarders of Borongan despite this category not having a juniors division. He is currently ranked 17th in the men’s open longboard category. Marionill Capacite and Ken Ducoy Maliao are also competing in the juniors category. Both are the highest ranked juniors in Borongan.
City of Future Champions
The City Government of Borongan is fully funding the logistics and entry of the athletes in the said surfing competition. City Sports Coordinator Rupert Ambil says the plan for sports development is to focus on supporting junior athletes and send them to national competitions to gain experience and a bigger perspective of the sport.
“As the Surf City, our goal is to produce the next generation of national athletes who will bring Borongan City pride in the national and even international surfing stage,” Ambil said.
Ambil also noted that while these junior athletes are on training, they’re still able to attend to their education through school works and activities that they brought with them in Siargao.
“One of the things that we are establishing is the importance of education on the athletes’ development. Educational and sports discipline will make them better citizens,” Ambil added.
For Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, supporting junior surfing athletes is an investment for the future.
“We hope that our young Boronganons will focus their active lifestyle to a cause that will bring honor not just for their family but also to the whole Boronganon community. It is our commitment that your city government will always support you from start to finish. Good luck to our contingent!” Mayor Agda said.
City Sports Staff Shanti Mercado is with the team to manage the logistics and observe the conduct of the nationals to compare on how we can improve the hosting of Surf in the City competitions set in November this year.
Veteran surfers of Borongan Atty. Bryan Lassiter, City Veterinarian John Ang, Floyd Ramos, Myrel Santos and surfer board member of the Province of Eastern Samar Atty. PJ Evardone provided pocket money and additional financial support for the junior athletes. ###
Pic left to right – Oliver Tyson Esplago, Marionil Capacite, Danica Lebrilla, Ken Ducoy Maliao, Jeffrey Puwa Allegre, Edgar Calvo Jr. – taken at the boardwalk of cloud 9, Gen. Luna, Siargao Island.
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