By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Team Bacolod delivered impressive performances at the Batang Pinoy 2025 National Championships in General Santos City, bagging a total of six gold, 10 silver and three bronze medals in the medal tally.
Geri Kiara Javier struck gold in the rhythmic gymnastics ribbon event (13-15 girls) and added two silvers in the hoop and individual all-around categories.
Dondy Santillan, Jr. secured another gold for Bacolod after dominating the cadet boys’ taekwondo bantam 37- to 41-kilogram division.
In chess, Cedric Ortaliz topped the boys’ 14-under Asean blitz event, while Maxene Hayley Uy powered Bacolod’s swimming team with a gold in the 50-meter freestyle (16-17 girls).
Uy also collected three silver medals in the 200-meter individual medley, 50-meter breaststroke and 200-meter breaststroke.
Earlier winning gold medals for Bacolod was Psalm Pampag, who ruled the 100-meter dash and 200-meter run in the girls’ 16-under athletics division, along with a bronze in the 400-meter run.
Other silver medalists include Anika Matiling (50-meter freestyle, 14-15 girls), Kane Benedict Laureano (shot put, 16-17 boys), John Vincent Deliola (400-meter hurdles, under-18 boys), and Renz Solomon (400-meter run, under-18 boys).
In the bronze category, Savanna Saril, Samantha Arcigal and Jessica Tinasas earned a podium finish in cadet girls’ poomsae taekwondo (12-14 years old), while Pampag and the girls’ 4×50-meter relay team of Uy, Matiling, Marta Rodriguez, and Rihanna Montelibano also contributed bronzes.
Team Bacolod delegation head Atty. Rhett Demonteverde lauded the athletes for their discipline and determination, saying their performance reflects the city’s commitment to grassroots sports.
“Our young athletes are proving that Bacolodnons can rise with heart, passion and pride,” Demonteverde said.
“Their victories bring honor not only to themselves but to the entire Bacolod community,” he added.
Team Bacolod’s showing in the Batang Pinoy 2025 National Championships underscores the city’s dedication to nurturing young athletes and sustaining a culture of sporting excellence./ASC, WDJ