By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Bacolod City clinched its first gold medal in the ongoing Batang Pinoy 2025 National Championships after young sprinter Psalm Pampag dominated the girls’ 16-under 200-meter dash at the Antonio Acharon Sports Complex in Calumpang, General Santos City on Monday, October 27.

Pampag, a Grade 8 student from Romanito P. Maravilla National High School (RPMNHS), surged past her rivals to secure Bacolod’s maiden gold in this year’s national youth games.

She trains under coaches Miguel Arca and Jerry Belibestre of RPMNHS, a school recognized for developing some of Bacolod’s top young track athletes.

Coach Belibestre lauded Pampag’s determination and effort following her standout performance.

“We are beyond proud of Psalm. She gave everything — her heart, effort and pure determination to win this gold for Bacolod,” Belibestre said.

Pampag’s victory added momentum to the city’s performance in the national tournament, where several Bacolod athletes have already secured podium finishes.

Earlier, swimmer Maxene Hayley Uy collected three silver medals in the 200-meter individual medley, 50-meter backstroke, and 200-meter backstroke events.

Geri Kiara Javier also earned silver in rhythmic gymnastics (hoop), while Kane Benedict Laureano bagged another silver in the boys’ under-18 shot put.

Completing Bacolod’s early medal haul was the Girls Cadet Pomsae Team of Savanna Saril, Samantha Arcigal, and Jessica Tinasas, who took home a bronze medal.

The Batang Pinoy National Championships, organized by the Philippine Sports Commission, serves as a grassroots development program aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of Filipino athletes./ASC, WDJ