TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – Kent Brian Celeste of Ilocos Region became the first triple-gold medalist in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games after defending the men's triple jump title Wednesday at the Cagayan Sports Complex track and field stadium here.

The 23-year-old from Anda, Pangasinan whose personal best is 14.75 meters, registered 14.70m to beat Rick Angelo Sotto of Central Visayas (14.00) and Cjay Eulin of Western Visayas (13.67).

He also triumphed in long jump and high jump.

"I'm very happy that I was able to defend the three titles I won in Legazpi City," said Celeste, a third-year physical education student at Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation.

Last year, he earned the Most Valuable Player award for winning three gold medals in Legazpi City, Albay.

Meanwhile, Mark Mahinay and Michelle Zamora dominated the 1,500m event as Central Visayas remained on top of the senior medal tally board with 30 golds, 10 silvers and 13 bronzes.

Mahinay, a third-year information technology student at the University of Cebu main campus, clocked 3:59.5 to defend the title over teammate Oswaldo Arcelo Jr. (4:06.3) and Mark Rennel Hubag of Soccssargen (4:10.1).

Mahinay now has two gold medals after winning the 5,000m last Monday. He will try to win a third gold in the 10,000m on Friday.

Zamora, on the other hand, captured the women's gold medal in 4:57.1, beating Mary Rose Frias of Ilocos Region (5:03.8) and Angel May Saysay of Cordillera Administrative Region (5:06.4).

Soccsksargen ranked second with 24 golds, 30 silvers and 14 bronzes followed by CAR (17-17-18), Ilocos Region (7-3-7) and Western Visayas (5-13-8).

In the youth category, Bicol Region has collected 31 golds, 23 silvers and 17 bronzes to keep the top spot, followed by Central Visayas (11-3-1), CAR (9-2-2), Cagayan Valley (7-4-10), and Central Luzon (6-6-10). (PNA)