PLARIDEL, Misamis Occidental (PIA) — Benerando Basan, a young athlete from Misamis Occidental, is now living in his dream home in Plaridel town, a personal gift from Gov. Henry S. Oaminal and his family after winning three gold medals at the 2024 Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA) Meet in Camiguin.
The three-time gold medalist is the fourth of five siblings, with his father, a carpenter, serving as the family’s sole provider and caretaker.
Benerando’s dream had always been to help his parents and repair their tiny home in the marshlands of Plaridel. Benerando’s dream became a reality when he and his family received a newly constructed two-bedroom home, equipped with water and electrical connections, surpassing his initial expectations. From a Bahay Kubo in dire need of repair to a brand-new, spacious home for free, Benerando’s happiness and gratitude were beyond words.

Benerando expressed his immense gratitude to Oaminal for fulfilling his dream of owning a home and land. “Salamat, Gov, nga natuman ang akong gipangandoy nga naa mi kapuy-an nga balay ug yuta nga libre (Thank you, Gov, for making my dream come true that we have a sheltered house and land for free),” Basan said, promising to cherish the home as a symbol of victory, not just for him but for all Misamisnons.
Benerando’s extraordinary achievements brought immense pride to the province. At just 13 years old, he took three gold medals in long jump, triple jump, and the 400-meter relay during the NMRAA 2024 in Camiguin.
Oaminal said Benerando’s success is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. He emphasized that the province is committed to providing young athletes with the resources they need to excel and make Misamis Occidental proud.
Benerando’s journey serves as an inspiration to all, showing that with perseverance, dreams can indeed be achieved.

As part of the province’s recognition, Benerando received a P150,000 cash prize, along with a promise of free education up to college. Oaminal emphasized that this support aims to secure Benerando’s future and motivate other young athletes to pursue their goals.
Benerando’s father shared his deep gratitude, highlighting how much this new home means to their family. “Dako gyud kaayo ang akong pasalamat ngadto ni Gov. Henry Oaminal, ingon man sa iyang board members ug ni Mayor Gadwin Handumon, uban sa mga konsehales. Dako akong kalipay aning higayuna. Sa akong anak nahitabo nga ing-ani, bisan wala ang iyang inahan. Kaning balaya gyud kinahanglan atimanon ug dungagan pa nako sa akong paningkamot,” Benedicto Basan said.
(I am very grateful to Gov. Henry Oaminal, as well as his board members and Mayor Gadwin Handumon, along with the councilors. I am very happy at this moment. This happened to my son, even though his mother is not there. This house really needs to be taken care of, and I will add to this through my efforts)
“Despite sa kalisod sa pamilya, nganong nakakuha man ug 3 gold medals si Benerando during NMRAA 2024 in Camiguin nga maoy nakainganyo ug nakapa motivate ni Gov. Henry Oaminal. Ang ato ani dili lang si Benerando kundili daghan pang Benerando nga ma-produce nato ilabina sa atong lungsod sa Plaridel. Atong paningkamotan nga makahatag ta og suporta nga mahatag nato sa atong mga athleta sa uban pang mga pamaagi,’’ Handumon said.
(Despite the hardships faced by his family, Benerando was able to win 3 gold medals during the NMRAA 2024 in Camiguin, which inspired and motivated Governor Henry Oaminal. What we have here is not just Benerando, but many more Benerandos that we can produce, especially in our town of Plaridel. We will strive to provide the support that our athletes need through various means.)

Oaminal’s support for Benerando aligns with his broader vision of empowering the youth through sports and education.

The promise of free education and the financial assistance are not only meant to celebrate Benerando’s athletic success but to secure his future. With a stable home environment and the opportunity to pursue higher education, Benerando can continue focusing on his academic and athletic goals, leading to even greater accomplishments.