Davao, Palawan bets shine in EAGA Friendship Games

BRUNEI – Davao continued its surge in swimming even as Palawan reaped the dividends of an athletic program as the Philippines shone in the 10th-East Asia Growth Area (EAGA) Friendship Games yesterday at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium here.

Fritz Jun Rodriguez became the Philippines’ first double-gold medalist as he topped the 100 meter breaststroke in 1:09.59. The lanky 17-year-old swimmer, who will see action for San Beda in the NCAA swimming competitions this season, earlier won the 50 meter breaststroke.

Eirron Seth Vibar added a gold medal in the 200 meter butterfly in 2:16.

Palawan’s Jessel Lumapas and John Lloyd Cabalo, both natives of San Vicente, Palawan, ruled the women’s and men’s 400 meters.

Lumapas had a winning time of 57.47 seconds, while Cabalo, the  smallest among the finalists, earned thunderous applause with a personal best  50.14 seconds.