LINGAYEN — Western Visayas padded its medal haul to 46 golds after ruling in Thursday’s 23 events, mostly in swimming, to erect a commanding lead with two more days to go in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) national games here.

Athletes of Western Visayas made swimming a virtual gold mine when they collected 30 golds of the 60 golds at stake, then went on to win 12 golds in athletics and ruled in four badminton events to widen its lead in the 16-region national games.

Swimmers Kristin Cabasac of Iloilo City and Nianhlyn Acain accounted for two golds each when they combined in the 400 individual medley along with Angela Luz Tuble and Rheza Gonzales, and won each in the 400-meter free style and in the 200-meter individual medley.

Their teammates Jmark Cabasac, Brian Caluba, Mikael Balinas and Kevin King won the race in the 800-meter free style relay.

On the other hand, Tanya Lagtapon, Marvic Joy Reyes, Charmaine Galang and Melrose Cordero won in the 800-meter free style relay.

The four golds in badminton were won by Annelyn Alba, Wilma Erlizan, Rosalie Soberano and Rina Batuigas, all of the women’s team.

In second place is Southern Mindanao with 30 golds, at least 17 of which were produced in athletics, 11 in swimming and two in table tennis.

Jocelyn Enaro and Gilbie Rabadon accounted for Southern Mindanao’s two gold medals in the women’s table tennis doubles.

Central Visayas maintained its third place standing with 27 golds, behind its victories in 13 swimming events, 10 in table tennis and four in badminton.

It’s men’s team, composed of Ralph Ian Mendez, Gabriel Suico, Jan Spyro Mijares and Solito Flores ruled in badminton.

Two of its table tennis winners were Glendo Nayre and Eric Impuesto in the men’s doubles, who beat Delenila and Edward Cachumbo of Western Visayas.

Southern Tagalog is fourth in the standing but hiked its gold medal tally to 24 when it won in five events today. At least 17 of its golds were won in swimming and seven in athletics.

Ilocos Region remained sixth with 15 golds, but hiked its silver haul to 19 and its bronze to 3. (PNA)