By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Iloilo-Guimaras RFA and host Negros Occidental RFA opened their campaigns with emphatic victories as the PFF U16 Boys National Championship 2026 Visayas Regional Qualifiers kicked off at the San Julio Realty Football Field in Negros Occidental’s San Carlos City on Saturday, January 17.

Iloilo-Guimaras RFA set the tone in the opening match, rolling past Negros Oriental-Siquijor RFA, 7-1.

Bannered by Pintaflores Cup champion Sta. Barbara Iloilo FC, the Ilonggo side asserted control early and never relented, capitalizing on sustained pressure and organized play to secure the lopsided win.

In the second game of the double-header, Negros Occidental RFA delighted the home crowd with a 5-1 victory over Eastern Visayas RFA.

The hosts made full use of their familiarity with the pitch, pulling away as the match progressed to earn three points on opening day.

The results placed Iloilo-Guimaras and Negros Occidental at the top of the early standings as the five-team tournament entered its round-robin phase.

Also competing in the Visayas qualifiers are Cebu RFA, which had a bye on opening day, along with Negros Oriental-Siquijor RFA and Eastern Visayas RFA.

Cebu RFA, composed largely of players from Don Bosco Boys Home, opened its campaign against Negros Oriental-Siquijor yesterday.

The Visayas qualifiers will determine which team advances to the national group stage of the PFF U16 Boys National Championship.

A highly anticipated showdown between Iloilo-Guimaras and Negros Occidental on Tuesday, January 20, is expected to have major implications on the race for the top seed./ASC, WDJ