Romualdez: Chrisia Mae’s gold in Palarong Pambansa shows grassroots potential

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday joined Leyteños, the people of Eastern Visayas, and the rest of the nation in congratulating Chrisia Mae Tajarros for winning the first gold medal of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte.

Tajarros led from the start to the finish to capture the gold, besting her silver medal performance last year in Cebu.

“At just 13 years old, Chrisia Mae has shown the heart of a true champion. Her victory in the 3,000-meter run is a story of redemption, perseverance, and unshakable determination. Coming from last year’s second-place finish, she returned stronger – wiser, faster, and more focused,” the leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives said.

The Speaker said the remarkable achievement of Chrisia Mae, a student of Tanauan National High School and a trainee of the Leyte Sports Academy, “embodies the promise of our youth and the potential of grassroots sports development”

“Her success is a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in our young athletes,” Speaker Romualdez pointed out.

Speaker Romualdez said Chrisia Mae is not only Leyte’s pride but of the entire nation as well.

He noted that the significance of her victory lies not only in the medal she won but also in her perseverance and in her unshakable determination to rise above the challenges.

Reports said that after her second-place finish in Cebu last year Chrisia Mae and her coach decided to further intensify her training regimen.

“Her triumph is not only measured by medals – it is marked by courage, discipline, and the power of never giving up,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“On behalf of the House of Representatives and the people of the First District of Leyte, I salute you, Chrisia Mae. May this be the first of many more victories in your journey. Mabuhay ka!” Speaker Romualdez said.