This city took an early lead Monday at the start of the Caraga Regional Athletic Games 2026 (CRAG 2026), earning 22 medals —12 gold, three silver and seven bronze.

Agusan del Sur ranks second with 18 medals (seven gold, eight silver and three bronze), while Surigao City is third with nine medals (four gold, four silver and one bronze).

Current medal standings for other provinces — Agusan del Norte with 10 medals (two gold, two silver and six bronze), Surigao del Norte with eight medals (one gold, five silver and two bronze), Surigao del Sur with seven medals (one gold, one silver and five bronze), and Dinagat Islands with one gold medal.

Among the cities, Cabadbaran has eight medals (one gold, four silver and three bronze), Bayugan with three medals (one gold and two silver), Bislig with two (one silver and one bronze), and Tandag City with one bronze.

The CRAG 2026 officially opened in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte on Sunday, carrying the theme “Champions in the Making, Caraga Youth Rising.” It will culminate on March 20.

Over 11,000 athletes and coaches from the five provinces and six cities in Caraga are currently participating in various sports competitions at the regional sports event.

Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II and Regional Director Maria Ines Asuncion of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Caraga Region led the event’s opening ceremonies.

“This year’s theme is a reminder that the immense potential that lives in every young athlete gathered here,” Barbers said in his welcome remarks Sunday.

He also told the athletes that they are not only representing their schools and provinces, but also the dreams of their families, communities, and the region’s future.

Barbers added that, despite the present challenges, he sees hope among the young athletes gathering at CRAG 2026, who are learning the values of perseverance, teamwork, respect, integrity, and, most of all, determination to achieve their dreams.

DepEd Undersecretary for Operations Malcolm Garma graced the opening ceremonies on Sunday, highlighting the government’s continuing initiatives in sports, including the School Sports Program and the “Grassroots to Gold” framework.

“Our goal is to ensure that no talent is left behind. Through the School Sports Program, we are making sports a daily part of the learner’s life, building the discipline and resilience necessary for the world stage,” Garma said. (PNA)