Jhonn Marc Dizon of Central Visayas wins the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase in the Private Schools Athletic Association National Games at the Cagayan Sports Complex in Tuguegarao, Cagayan on Tuesday (April 8, 2025). He also ruled the event in Legazpi City, Albay last year. (PNA photo by Jean Malanum)
Jhonn Marc Dizon of Central Visayas successfully defended his title in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase at the PRISAA National Games, held at the Cagayan Sports Complex track and field stadium.
Dizon clocked in at 10 minutes and 0.9 seconds, edging out Ken Jay Moreto (10:08.9) and Francis Michael Pueblo (10:14.8), both from Western Visayas.
“I focused my training on the 3000m steeplechase because I know this is my strongest event,” said the 22-year-old Special Education major from the University of San Carlos in Cebu. “I was confident coming into the race, and I’m really happy I achieved my goal.”
Dizon made his PRISAA debut in 2023, finishing fourth. This year, he’s aiming to defend his 10,000-meter title on Friday, where he’ll face a tough field that includes fellow Cebuano and reigning 5,000-meter champion Mark Mahinay.
“I expect strong competition, but I’ve trained hard and I’m ready. I just want to give my best,” he said.
After PRISAA, Dizon will compete in the Philippine Open from May 1 to 4 at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. He also earned a spot on the national team heading to Pattaya, Thailand in July, after winning the Cebu leg of the 7-Eleven 21-kilometer marathon in February.
In the boys’ division of the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Ken Ryzen Herrera from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) took gold with a time of 10:30.5. He was followed by Clark Andrew Samar of the Bicol Region (10:34.2) and Kent Miles Cabasa of Western Visayas (10:45.5).
Other Gold Medalists:
- Western Visayas: Matt Atanas (men’s shot put), Luis Emmanuel Sombilon (boys’ shot put), Maribell Regala (girls’ long jump)
- CAR: John Edward Carbonell (boys’ 110m hurdles), Rhain Chantal Ayesha Viado (girls’ 100m hurdles), Leishen Kate Masangkay (girls’ 400m), Xyndrex Chris Orinion (boys’ 400m), Angel Mae Saysay (women’s 5,000m)
- Central Visayas: Jumar Torremocha (men’s 110m hurdles)
- Ilocos Region: Angelie Teorima (women’s 100m hurdles)
- Central Luzon: Ruby Lorete (women’s 400m)
- Negros Island Region: Renzo King Catulay (boys’ 400m), Marja Jean Bacaro (women’s long jum
