By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Several football standouts from Negros Occidental have earned spots in the Philippines’ U17 national team set to compete in the ongoing 2026 Asean U17 Boys’ Championship in East Java, Indonesia.

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) recently unveiled the final roster, which includes a strong contingent of players from Pontevedra town and Bacolod City, highlighting the region’s growing contribution to the national program.

Among those named to the squad are Frank Jonas Oliverio and John Carlo Rendon of Pontevedra, along with Bacolod City’s Josh Gabriel Moleje, who is affiliated with Spanish club Levante UD, and Johannesbern Ortigas.

The Philippines has been drawn into Group B, where it will face Thailand, Laos and Myanmar in what is expected to be a tough group stage.

The team heads into the tourney riding a wave of confidence, with several players coming off a successful campaign in the Lion City Cup, where they helped deliver a historic title for the country.

The inclusion of multiple players from Negros Occidental underscores the continued impact of grassroots programs led by the Negros Occidental Regional Football Association, which has been instrumental in developing young talents capable of competing at the international level./ASC, WDJ