The 2024 Zamboanga Peninsula Athletic Association (ZPRAA) Qualifying Meet culminated Friday afternoon, April 26, with Mayor John Dalipe passing the hosting torch to Mayor Cesar Soriano of Siocon for the 2025 sporting event.
Zamboanga City reclaimed the overall championship after a 9-year title drought. Zamboanga del Sur came in second place while Dipolog settled for third place.
A total of 8 delegations with over 10,000 athletes, coaches and technical officials competed in the 25 different types of sports with events mostly held at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex (JFEMSC) in Baliwasan.
ZPRAA 2024 adapted to Zamboanga City’s soaring heat index brought about by the El Nino phenomenon, thus, all games were held during the coolest times of the day – early morning and late afternoon onwards. The region’s biggest sporting event returned to Zamboanga City after 18 long years.
The ZPRAA 2024, organized by the Department of Education in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission, was the selection process for the best teams and best athletes who will compete in the Palarong Pambansa slated in Cebu City in July.
The closing ceremony was graced by House Majority Leader and District II Cong. Mannix Dalipe, Basilan Cong. Mujiv Hataman, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Hataman, ZC Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, some members of the City Council, other local government officials and Department of Education officials from all over Region 9.
(Source: City Government of Zamboanga Facebook page)