LA PAZ, Tarlac (April 23, 2026) — Pride and joy filled the municipality of La Paz as one of its own, Alfred Talplacido, helped bring home the gold medal for the Philippines at the 2026 Singapore Open Track & Field Championships.
Talplacido, a native of Barangay San Roque, was part of the men’s 4x400m relay team that topped the competition last April 17, 2026. Together with fellow Filipino runners Frederick Ramirez, Ahlryan Labita, and Michael Del Prado, the quartet clocked 3:11.25 — enough to edge out Malaysia (3:12.65) and host Singapore (3:12.68).
“Isang espesyal na pagbati kay Alfred Talplacido mula sa La Paz, Tarlac, na patuloy na nagbibigay dangal sa ating lalawigan,” said Governor Christian Yap. “Ipinakita nila ang husay, disiplina, at tibay ng atletang Pilipino.”
The team is guided by national coach Isidro Del Prado, who was recently inducted into the 5th Philippine Sports Hall of Fame.
Talplacido is no stranger to excellence. He is also a Palarong Pambansa record holder, having set the secondary boys’ 400m record in 2025 with a time of 48.10 seconds.
La Paz Mayor Venus Jordan also celebrated the win, saying, “Angat talaga ang galing ng Kabataang La Pazeño!”
The Local Youth Development Office of La Paz added, “Mabuhay ka Alfred! Kasama mo ang buong La Paz sa pagdiriwang na ito.”
With the gold medal around his neck, Talplacido now serves as an inspiration to young athletes in Tarlac and across the country, a proof that even from a small town, champions can rise.
