Davao's Pagayon affiliates with UP Maroons post Palarong Pambansa gold triumph
Laying Down the Gold: Mary Jane Pagayon's Journey to UP's Track Team
After years of blood, sweat, and tears, 2025 Palarong Pambansa secondary girls' 1,500-meter champion Mary Jane Pagayon is ready to tackle new horizons-this time with the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman athletics squad.
"UP it is, Ma'am," Pagayon confirms in a recent Messenger chat with Davao. "I'm still working on the paperwork, though."
The daughter of a PUJ driver, Pagayon not only earned a shot to compete at a higher level but also secured a college education without the weighty financial burdens.
Her gold at the Ilocos Norte Palaro served as the fruit of countless mornings spent breaking the dawn, bitter heartbreaks endured silently, and unyielding coaches who never let her give up. With UP extending an invitation, she steps into a season brimming with hope, purpose, and the fierce spirit that propelled her this far.
"I couldn't contain myself when I won gold," the 17-year-old champion said, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It was a dream I'd chased for years, one that finally came true in my last Palaro appearance."
She credits God for her success, calling the victory an answered prayer. "Holy cow, Ma'am. I used to just dream about this, and now the Lord has made it materialize."
Pagayon clinched two silver medals as well in the 800-meter run and relay events, wrapping up her Palarong Pambansa journey on a high note.
As she reminisces about her journey, Pagayon is grateful for the mentors who stood by her every step. Beginning with elementary school coaches like Jennifer Sarmiento, Annabelle Bariquit, Rona Beth Edar, and Marites Maglente, to the dedicated guidance of Rosemarie Reponte, Ian De Guzman, Ma'am MJ, Ma'am Dinah, and Ma'am Ana Mae during high school, she cherishes each one's role in her development.
In senior high, she trained under Mamerto Aventurado, Danelia Macatulad, Faojia Muhammad, and Diana Mae Memoracion. The 2025 Palarong Pambansa was guided by coaches from Davao del Norte, Suzette Villarino, and Beverly Villarino, alongside Davraa coaches Mykel Abayata and Alma Maasin. She acknowledged their contribution to her regional performance.
With the Maroons, Pagayon will chase new dreams, relying on the same resilience and indomitable spirit that took her to the top of the podium. With her family, coaches, and supporters behind her, she sets her sights on new records, a college degree, and a legacy etched in gold.
In the new phase of her journey, Mary Jane Pagayon plans to extend her athletic prowess to the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, competing not just for records, but for her college education as well. Reflecting on her Manila trip, she expressed her gratitude to the NBA for its broadcasting of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, as it serves as a reminder of her dreams taking shape. Moreover, she intends to harness her sports talents in basketball, hoping to one day represent not just UP, but the Philippines in the global basketball arena.
