Swimming siblings power Davao to Mindanao leg overall crown

Liaa Margarette Amoguis had always aimed to break the Palarong Pambansa record. Now that she has dominated the Mindanao leg of the 2019 Batang Pinoy Games, she can chase after that dream.

The 11-year-old swimmer nailed five gold medals that helped Davao City claim the overall championship at Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex on Saturday.

“My dream is to beat the Palarong Pambansa record someday,” said Amoguis, who registered victories in the girls’ 12-under 200-meter individual medley, 100m butterfly, 200m freestyle and 200m free.

The fifth grader from Abba’s Orchard School also struck gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay, helping Davao City to 17 out of 56 gold medals from the pool.

Juliana Marie Villanueva ruled the girls’ 15-under 400m free, 800m free and 400m IM in the meet organized by the Philippine Sports Commission while Lora Micah Amoguis, Liaa’s elder sister, topped the girls 13-15 200m IM.

“With hard work, discipline and training, I’m positive that I can achieve that dream (Palaro record),” said Liaa.

Davao also drew a combined 12 golds from arnis and athletics.