For the first time in Cadiz’s history, two of its athletes faced off in the finale of the badminton match in the 65th Palarong Pambansa held in Ilocos Norte from May 24-31.
Lovic Caceres Javier, 17, a Grade 12 student of Dr. Vicente F. Gustilo Memorial National High School (DRVFGMNHS), bagged the gold medal in a commanding finals performance, defeating his city mate, Cris Ivan Dosano, 16, of North Negros College (NNC).
The two Cadiz shuttlers, both longtime players under the Jaguar Badminton Academy (JBA), faced off in the championship match that not only showcased their athleticism, but underscored the strength of grassroots sports development in Cadiz.
Their match made history as a rare gold-silver finish between athletes from the same city, same region, and the same sports academy – a powerful statement on the caliber of the local talents from Cadiz.
“This was more than just winning gold. It’s about everything that came before it—the long hours, the early mornings, the sacrifices. Standing on that court, representing my region and sharing that final match with my teammate from Cadiz, it was a moment I’ll never forget,” Javier said.
He dedicated this victory to God, his family, coaches, and the people of Cadiz. “First of all, I dedicate this to our God. Without His guidance and strength, I wouldn’t have reached this point. This gold is also for my mother, who supported me all throughout my practice, win, and loss. This is not just my win—this is Cadiz’s win.”
Javier expressed gratitude to Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. and the DepEd Cadiz Schools Division Office for their unwavering support. “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to compete and showcase our talent on the national stage.”
Escalante said the feat of both local shutters in the national arena proved that, indeed, Cadiz is becoming a “badminton haven” in Negros Occidental.
“This is one thing we can be proud of. Seeing them compete in the finals was an assurance that no matter what happens, the gold and silver were already reserved for Cadiz…for Western Visayas,” a beaming Escalante added.
“Quite an extraordinary sight to behold – Cadiz versus Cadiz in the finals for badminton-secondary boys,” he said.
Escalante assured that both medalists will receive trophies and cash incentives from the city government, in recognition of their astonishing achievements.
Lovic, on the other hand, has been snatched by the De La Salle University in Manila as its incoming sports scholar, the city said.
This year, 10 badminton players from Cadiz competed in the Palarong Pambansa, and were part of around 900 delegates from Region VI across all sports. ||
