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The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) made history at the Lipad Pilipinas International Disc Golf Tournament 2026, the 5th stop of the PDGA Asia Tour, that took place at the Jose V. Yap Sports and Recreational Complex in Tarlac City.
Jhanelle Tonducan, Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd) Student, led the charge for USM. She won 1st Place in the FA4 Division and brought home the gold medal. Her win marks USM’s first international championship in disc golf. Tonducan played with focus and confidence in every round. She stayed steady under pressure and proved she could compete with strong international players. Her victory puts USM and Mindanao athletes on the international disc golf map.
Four more USM players also finished strong. Precious Kaye Ayson placed 4th in the FA1 Division. Jay Niño Candido, an SSC faculty member and USM alumna, finished 4th in MA3. Jemwell Francisco, a USM faculty member, also placed 4th in MA4. Edgardo Jay Montisor, another BPEd student, ranked 12th in MA2.
These results show the hard work and teamwork of the newly formed USM Disc Golf Club. The team stepped onto the international stage and delivered.
The USM community thanks Dr. Che Abdulsaik F. Plang for opening doors for the athletes and USM President Dr. Jonald Pimentel for supporting the team’s journey.
With this strong start at Lipad Pilipinas 2026, USM has shown that it is ready to compete and win beyond Mindanao.
