TACLOBAN CITY —- The National Capital Region finally won its first gold medal Tuesday after being shut out on opening day when Patrick Unso ruled the boys’ secondary high jump in the 2009 Palarong Pambansa.

The 16-year-old son of former national trackster Renato Unso leaped 1.85 meters to beat Roderick Dacayon and Jovy Econar who did 1.80 meters. Dacayon won the silver due to lesser attempts.

In the boy’ javelin throw, Junillo Cadotdot of Caraga threw 48.95 meters to beat Renzy Gemolada of Western Visayas who recorded 45.47 meters. Garry Santiago of NCR took the bronze in 43.63 meters.

Earlier, President Macapagal Arroyo underscored the importance of sports in nation-building during the opening of the 2009 Palarong Pambansa at the 10,000-seat Leyte Sports and Development Center.

Addressing the participants and spectators in Filipino, Arroyo cited organizers and other people for their tireless efforts to make the annual event a success.

“Congratulations to the province of Leyte. Ito na ang pinakamalaking event sa province ng Leyte sa nakaraan 25 years. Ang Palarong Pambansa ay programang proyoridad. Kaya nandito tayong lahat ngayon. Ito'y para ipakita kong gaano kahalaga ang sports sa atin bansa,” said Arroyo.

Arroyo stressed that the Palaro plays a vital role in the country’s sports development program.

“Itong mga kalidadad na ito ay dinivelop natin sa atin mga estudyante na nageensayo sa sports. Ito ay bahagi ng kumprehensibong programa na tumutulong na para magkaroon ang atin bansa na mga katangian na puedeng humarap sa challenges. Naway itong Palarong Pambansa ay ipairal ang teamwork,” added Arroyo.

The ceremonies were originally set Monday, but were moved a day later to accommodate Arroyo who was accompanied by Vice President Noli de Castro, Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus and Tesda chief Boboy Sijuco. She was joined Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla, Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and other local officials.

Some 15,000 athletes and officials from 17 regions clad in their respective uniforms paraded around the sports complex.

Buyogan Festival of Buyogan Leyte, winner of the Sinulog Festival, also performed during the three-hour rites.

Arroyo was scheduled to hold a Cabinet meeting later in the day.

Lapus announced various innovations and the inclusion of new events in this year’s edition, including boxing for elementary students, arnis for female athletes in secondary, and exhibition games in football by the national team.