By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has passed a resolution honoring taekwondo athlete Dondy Santillan, Jr. for winning a gold medal at the 2025 Asian Cadet Taekwondo Championships in Sarawak, Malaysia.

The resolution, introduced by Councilor Al Victor Espino, recognized Santillan’s victory in the continental tournament held from July 27 to 28, where he defeated competitors from Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan to claim the top podium finish.

Santillan, a scholar-athlete from Living Stones International School, is a product of the Negros Taekwondo Union – Tigers under coach Pauline Sabido.

The club has long been known for developing grassroots talent in Western Visayas.

The SP noted that Santillan’s gold medal was the Philippines’ first in the Asian Cadet Taekwondo Championships in over 10 years, bringing pride not only to the country but also to Bacolod City.

Officials said his achievement reflects the value of discipline, hard work and support from local sports organizations, schools and mentors in nurturing young athletes./ASC, WDJ