AGUSAN DEL SUR, Philippines – Chrishia Mae Tajarros no longer shed tears, but she remained the same dominant force.

For the second straight year, the Eastern Visayas athletics standout earned the distinction of being the first gold medalist of the Palarong Pambansa after defending her throne in the secondary girls’ 3,000m run at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Gov. Democrito O. Plaza Sports Complex in Prosperidad on Monday, May 25.

Tajarros, an incoming Grade 10 student at Tanauan National High School and a product of the Leyte Sports Academy, led from start to finish and posted a time of 10 minutes and 4.76 seconds as she replicated her feat in the 2025 edition in Ilocos Norte, where she also emerged as the first Palaro champion.

“I’m confident since I trained for almost an entire year because the Palaro comes just once in a lifetime,” said Tajarros.

Tajarros eclipsed her 2025 time of 10:18.6 by nearly 14 seconds as she came close to shattering the Palaro record of 10:03.4 set by Davao Region’s Mea Gey Ninura in 2016.

Eastern Visayas completed a one-two coup, with Angel Lumacang finishing at a distant second with a time of 10:16.24 followed by Davao Region’s Charlen Cos (10:17.20) at third.

Tajarros’ life has changed since her inspired 2025 victory, which saw her run the gamut of emotions. 

She now represents the Philippines internationally, clinching the girls’ 3,000m silver in the ASEAN School Games in Brunei in November.

Her next goal is to reach the biggest stage in sports.

“I’m a one hundred percent [hungry]. My dream is to make the Olympics while I’m still young,” said the 14-year-old Tajarros. – Rappler.com