Palarong Pambansa 2023 4×400-meter relay gold medalist Shane Philip Tibang and High Jump Runner-up Rachel Ann Malayas arrived home to a heroes welcome initiated by LGU Buruanga and the Office of the District Supervisor.

The two student-athletes arrived at Caticlan Jetty Port and were welcomed by Mayor Labindao, PSDS Flores, Municipal & Barangay Officials, DepEd Teachers from the different schools in Buruanga along with their coaches, trainers and family members.

A motorcade was held from Caticlan going to Brgy Bagongbayan and en route to the Municipal Hall for a short program. Tibang and Malayas were recognized by the Municipal Government through a SB Resolution. Together with their coaches and mentors, they received cash incentives from Mayor Labindao.

Mayor Labindao, in her speech, following the testimonies of the coaches, showed strong agreement with the song “Patuloy ang Pangarap” to motivate these young girls in achieving their dreams, to conquer their doubts and to not let anything hinder them to pursuing greater success.

Tibang, in her response, expressed her thanks to the Municipal Government for the heroes’ welcome and also expressed her gratitude to her family, coaches, trainers, and her school teachers for the overflowing support from the district meet until she bagged the gold medal in the national level.