IP Games kick off in Mindanao, Las Nieves crowned overall champion; Visayas, Luzon legs to follow

As the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Games kicked off in Mindanao, the municipality of Las Nieves emerged as overall champion in the Mindanao leg of the competition held in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, last Oct 11-12.

Las Nieves clinched the top spot after winning two events, bag-ud and palo sebo, while finishing second in lubok-humay and bangkaw, and third in takyang. 

The Visayas and Luzon editions are set to follow in the coming months.

Jointly organized by the provincial government of Agusan del Norte and the municipality of Buenavista, the Mindanao leg of the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) IP Games drew nearly 500 athletes from 11 LGUs, including Butuan City, setting a record for the event’s highest participation.

Cabadbaran City and Nasipit placed second and third overall, respectively.

Following the successful Mindanao kickoff, the Visayas leg is set to be held in Iloilo City, although last month’s event was postponed due to Typhoon Opong. 

Participants from Iloilo, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Aklan are expected to join once it is rescheduled.

Meanwhile, the Luzon leg is planned for Laoag, Ilocos Norte, with dates yet to be confirmed. 

The PSC continues to organize the IP Games nationwide to promote traditional indigenous sports and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the country’s tribal communities.

With reports from Manila Standard