BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured the plans to rehabilitate the swimming pool at the Baguio City Athletic Bowl, on April 27, 2026, following concerns raised about its condition and usability for athletes. Magalong said funds have already been secured for the pool’s full rehabilitation, with additional support pledged by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). It will be recalled that PSC Chairman John Patrick Gregorio committed to developing Baguio as a regional training center, promising to assist the city in upgrading its sports facilities, including the Baguio Athletic Bowl and the swimming pool. The mayor said a key challenge in the rehabilitation is maintaining the pool’s temperature at around 25 to 27 degrees Celsius, which is necessary for athlete training. He said initial studies showed that existing solar panels alone cannot meet the heating requirements, leading to the decision to conduct a feasibility study to determine the most suitable heating system, considering either an electric or gas-fed option. He said early findings suggest a gas-fed system may be more viable. The study, being completed by the City Engineering Office, is expected to be finalized within two weeks. Magalong also said the city will proceed with rehabilitating the facility’s solar panels, which will likely be repurposed to supply heated water for showers instead of the pool. In the meantime, the City Sports Division said it is working out a short-term solution — repairing the existing system if still possible — while the procurement of new heaters is underway. The division conducted an inspection of the heaters on April 28, together with the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO), sports officials, and coaches. Meanwhile, Magalong said the PSC has committed an additional P20 million to complete the athletes’ quarters. Plans are also underway to revive the facility’s diving pool, which had previously been considered for conversion into another training pool. He said the city will work out more funding once the feasibility study is completed to ensure the full rehabilitation of the swimming facility. (By Aileen P. Refuerzo)  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Teamwork took center stage as Grant Atonen, Raynon James De Guzman, and Dirk Jacinth Pascaden captured gold in the Recurve Division Team Elimination (14 Under) at Batang Pinoy 2025. What started as a group of individuals grew into a disciplined and tightly connected team through consistent training and shared experiences. From initially feeling unfamiliar with one another, the trio developed strong chemistry by pushing each other daily, correcting mistakes, and building trust both on and off the field. The road to gold was not without challenges. The team had to overcome nerves, self-doubt, and even a difficult roster adjustment that tested their unity. Still, they relied on constant communication and encouragement, reminding each other to stay calm, focused, and confident in the skills they had worked hard to develop. Under pressure, their teamwork became their greatest advantage. They supported one another not just technically, but also emotionally, helping steady nerves and maintain composure during crucial moments. Their victory is more than just a medal; it is a testament to discipline, resilience, and the strength of a shared goal. For these young archers, Batang Pinoy 2025 marks the beginning of a promising journey, driven by unity and the belief that together, they can aim even higher. – Diana Elizabeth B. Florague/DMMMSU PIO Intern/mag    

By Rachel Magday   Brenda Ramos Zinampan of Bascaran, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, was named Masters Athlete of the Year at the 3rd All-Women Sports Awards of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). The ceremony, held recently at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, honored 83 female athletes and sports leaders for their achievements and contributions to Philippine sports. Zinampan, 48, received the award following her strong showing at the 23rd Asia Masters Athletics Championships in Chennai, India, where she won four gold medals in the Women’s 45+ division. She topped the 400-meter hurdles, 100-meter dash, 80-meter hurdles, and pole vault, cementing her status as one of the country’s top masters athletes. Zinampan began competing in athletics during her high school years through the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Athletics Association Meet, later advancing to the CAVRAA Meet and the Palarong Pambansa. She stepped away from competition after Palarong Pambansa to pursue college studies and later focused on teaching and coaching. She returned to competitive athletics in her 40s and went on to achieve success in international masters competitions. The PSC All-Women Sports Awards recognizes the achievements of women in sports and their role in inspiring future generations of Filipino athletes.      

By Ruben A.Veloria   IBA, Zambales- The local provincial government of Zambales honored local athletes, coaches, and sports officials for finishing 1st Runner-Up over-all in this year’s Central Luzon Athletic Association (CLRAA) Meet. Board Member Rundy Ebdane, representing Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., greeted the athletes and delegates with celebratory beats of drums and echoing hooray to congratulate each member of Team Zambales for the successful CLRAA campaign in Tarlac and Aurora. Other key sports officials also were present, including BM Carl Eric Rico, Ass’t Schools Div. Supt. Alberto M. Otchengco Jr., Jade Ballesteros, Provincial Sports Devt. Officer, and Larraine B. Rico, Exec. Ass’t to the Governor, who have both shown steadfast support for the development of Zambaleño athletic talent. Athletes who wsports on gold, silver and bronze medals in various sports disciplines, were specially recognized alongside their respective coaches. They also received cash incentives as token of appreciation, and as a concrete show of support of the local administration and for their sacrifice and achievements. In his congratulatory message, Gov. Ebdane extended his gratitude to the athletes and sports officials who brought pride to the province. He also said that once the sports complex and football stadium were completed, sports in Zambales will go through in a greater heights. “Let us work together for Zambales! Sulong Zambales, Arangkada Zambaleño!” Gov. Ebdane expressed in immense joy and pride over the team’s accomplishments, emphasizing that all achievements come from unity, discipline, and continuous support from the government, schools, coaches, and families.      

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – The Summer Capital will again serve as the final stage venue of the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026, a major multi-stage cycling race slated from April 29 to May 13, 2026. With the theme, “A Heritage in Motion,” this year’s race edition will cover more than 1,800 kilometers and pass through 13 provinces across five regions with a total of 20 teams, including five international squads expected to compete in the 14-stage event. The race will begin at CaSoBe in Calatagan and will traverse key locations such as Tagaytay, New Clark City, Palayan City, Bayombong, Tuguegarao, Pagudpud and parts of the Ilocos region and Pangasinan. The final and most anticipated stage will culminate at Scout Hill in Camp John Hay which is known for its challenging uphill terrain that is expected to test the endurance and skill of the riders. Throughout the race, cyclists will face 25 King of the Mountain climbs and 16 sprint segments, making it one of the most demanding editions of the tour. Organizers said the event aims to strengthen the country’s cycling scene while boosting tourism in host areas, with Baguio City playing a key role as the concluding venue of the prestigious race. Mayor Benjamin Magalong welcomed the event which was also successfully hosted by the city last year and the previous ones. The mayor said the nationally recognized cycling event is expected to draw, apart from the participating teams, race officials, support personnel, media representatives and spectators from different parts of the country. To ensure the success of the event, the mayor mobilized concerned offices to provide support to the organizers. (Aileen P. Refuerzo)

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya’s archery and poomsae teams captured championship honors in the Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA) Meet in Santiago City, Isabela, and qualified for the Palarong Pambansa on May 24-31 in Agusan del Sur. The province’s archery team, composed of junior and senior high school students from Salinas High School in Bambang and Belance TechVoc School in Dupax Del Norte topped its event with eight gold medals, five silver medals, and three bronze medals. Among those who qualified for the national meet are Adrian A. Barroga, Jazrine Joyce P. Fragata, and Hendrich Dave T. Cariazo, under coaches Arjan Leo V. Edrozo and Mark Daniel M. Atabay. Nueva Vizcaya also emerged as overall champion in the Poomsae Elementary Division, finishing with eight gold medals and seven silver medals. Gold medalists were Jaychelle Magalang (freestyle and team), Kalvin Dale Manuel (freestyle), Noward Hlway Enriquez (mixed pair and team), Nalla Ysabelle Corpuz (mixed pair), Xian Gabriel V. Gamata (individual and team), Jacques Daniel Cordova (team), Dynah Paddayuman (team), and Zafirah Dylan Mondala (team). Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito lauded the athletes and coaches for bringing pride to the province. “Your victories reflect the strength, discipline, and fighting spirit of Novo Vizcayanos. Congratulations, and bring that same fire to the Palarong Pambansa,” Gambito said. The twin victories underscored Nueva Vizcaya’s strong regional campaign and raised hopes for a solid showing in the national games.          

By Ruben A.Veloria BALER, Quezon Province- Sambals province will not be known alone for its sweetest mango in the world, as Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. is gearing up to established the Zambales Sports Academy this year. Zambales Gov. Ebdane disclosed that the provincial government is planning to build a sports academy in the Capitol town of the province. The idea came into the agenda after the president of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) mused to Gov. Ebdane if it is possible to open a Sports Academy in the province. The governor accepted the challenge. Gov. Ebdane was in Baler to show full support to Zambales athletes who are participating the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association in Baler, Quezon Province. “Actually, we already have a similar plan,” Ebdane noted, adding that he already asked Division Superintendent William Fallorin to develop a program for Zambales where all student-athletes from elementary and high school shall stay in a government subsidized dormitory in Iba. “The idea was that all Zambales athletes, boys and girls, all categories shall stay dormitories which were built and subsidized by the government, while continuing their studies in the Sports Academy in Iba. So, you will not start practicing only one month before the competition,” Ebdane said. Student-athletes shall attend academic classes every morning daily, then in the afternoon they would have time to practice their main sports, however, they should also learn other sports. Ebdane said that Provincial Board Members, and most of the mayors and the Zambales DepEd, are believing that the project could be built. “With the participation of all sectors the project can really be done,” he said. As for the academy, Ebdane said that he already asked the DEPED Zambales if possible to construct the elementary and high school facilities near the Iba Municipal Hall. “I believe we could do it in five years-time from this day on, and there is already fund we could use,” the governor said. Gov. Ebdane believes that if the academy and the complimentary facilities are to be finished, it is impossible to defeat Zambales in most sports competition, in CLRAA or in Palarong Pambansa. Meanwhile, Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. took time to accompany the 400-strong delegation of the Zambales Province in the on-going Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA) simultaneously held in Quezon Province from April 6 to13, and Tarlac from March 21 to 27. Gov. Ebdane who arrived in Baler with some local government and academic officials told the 387 Zambales delegation in Baler, “We are not thinking only about winning, but we should think how to deliver our best efforts to win in each event. And when we failed, better luck next time. Never skip about respect for all athletes,” the governor said. Accordingly, Zambales delegation in Baler compose of 272 athletes and coaches, 14 trainers, 33 technical officials, and 68 school division officials, led by School Division head William Roderick Fallorin. Also present to show support to the athletes were 2nd Dist. Zambales Rep. Doris “Nanay Bing” Maniquiz, Zambales Provincial Consultant for Engineering and Development Engr. Domingo Mariano, and Board Member Jun Runsdedt Ebdane.    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Summer Capital’s Team Blitz 14 Years Old squad composed of Meijer Juro Cabotaje, Cheldi Vallejo, Mary Grace Valdez, and Yellowrain Alfonso, captured the gold medal in chess at the Batang Pinoy 2025 National Championships in General Santos City. In a sport often seen as solitary, these young athletes proved that unity, encouragement, and shared preparation can transform individual battles into collective victory. For Vallejo, the journey began with familiarity and excitement since having played alongside his teammates in past tournaments, he felt comfortable and motivated. “I already knew my teammates because we always played in the same tournaments… it was comfortable knowing I’d be with the same people again,” he said. Valdez echoed this, recalling playful banter and friendly conversations that kept the group close, while Alfonso admitted he was nervous at first but quickly bonded with the team through chess itself. On the other hand, Cabotaje, who had long competed with them in Baguio, emphasized how training together deepened their connection and that the gold medal meant more than just a prize. “It was not just about getting a medal. It showed that all our hard work, training, and sacrifices were worth it… we proved that when we trust each other and work as one team, we can achieve great things,” he said. Valdez added that the victory gave them confidence against stronger, titled players, while Alfonso described the pride of making his family happy. Vallejo said the joy of seeing their preparation pay off, especially as the team hyped each other up on the way to gold because although chess is played individually, the team found ways to support each other. Vallejo recalled giving advice after games and reminding teammates not to lose confidence and Cabotaje described how they encouraged one another before every round and shared ideas afterward while Alfonso stressed the mental support, saying, “We told each other it’s okay to lose and to just do our best.” Valdez remembered moments when sickness struck the team, yet they carried each other through even in small acts like fetching water or cheering from the sidelines and these gestures of solidarity became their hidden strength. The team’s mindset was simple yet powerful: stay steady, stay focused, and enjoy the game as Vallejo explained, “Our mindset was to stay steady and not get carried away even if we won.” Cabotaje added, “We told ourselves to take one game at a time and not be afraid of strong opponents.” Valdez pointed out their coach’s advice to focus on the game itself rather than the medal, which helped them avoid pressure and fear while Alfonso shared that even if they didn’t win, they were determined to enjoy the experience and make friends. From this golden run, the team learned discipline, patience, and the importance of encouragement as Vallejo stressed that consistency and support make a big difference while Cabotaje highlighted teamwork and positivity, while Valdez pointed out the value of communication and trust. Alfonso summed it up simply: “We needed to trust each other and have good coordination.” These lessons, they believe, will carry them into future competitions with greater strength as the team hopes their victory will fuel greater ambitions in the future. “I hope the victory reminds us that we can achieve more if we stay disciplined and consistent,” Vallejo said as Cabotaje added, “I hope it motivates us to stay focused, support each other, and never give up.” Valdez expressed high hopes that the win will inspire them to defeat stronger opponents in national games, while Alfonso kept it heartfelt: “I hope that we will win our next gold together pa rin as a team.” The Batang Pinoy 2025 chess champions showed that even in a game of individual moves, the power of friendship, encouragement, and unity can turn pressure into triumph as their story is proof that in chess and in life, teamwork can be the ultimate winning strategy. – Diana Badia Florague/PIO Baguio Intern/gabykeith

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — At 15 years of age, Delenriz O. Avila from the Summer Capital has already carved a name for herself in the world of sports, particularly in Pencak Silat. A student of Pines City National High School under the Special Program in the Arts (SPA), she balances academic and athletics with discipline, determination and heart. Avila initially ventured into the sporting arena in grade 9 where she decided to take Pencak Silat over other options because of its unique techniques and challenging nature. Unlike other sports, Pencak Silat provided her with an opportunity to challenge her power, strength and imagination. She was inspired to demonstrate that a fighting sport is not for men only and accepted the challenge despite the training and hard work schedules because she had her parents to motivate her. Their encouragement continues to fuel her passion and persistence. The biggest challenge she faced was overcoming her nerves and adrenaline rushes during competitions especially when matched against strong opponents at national games. Her fears were overcome through prayer, self-trust, and positive thinking. Avila remembers her coach, Arnold Cayso, who often reminds her: “Mind over matter”, and this mantra became her anchor in moments of doubt. As a student, maintaining grades is crucial and she manages her time by heading straight to training after school, then completing missed activities at night–even if it means staying up late, as her dedication ensures she excels both in academics and sports, proving that discipline is the key to balance. Getting a medal was a state of utter joy and surprise since out of 35 players nationwide, she was one of only four to bring home a medal. This was not a personal win, but a win on behalf of her school, and Baguio City. Avila’s experience made her realize that one should be disciplined, religious and have self-confidence because she believes that without these, dreams remain out of reach. Prayer, she says, is vital, as it provides strength and guidance in every match. Her message to aspiring student-athletes is clear: train wholeheartedly, maintain discipline and always listen to your coach because success is built on persistence and respect for guidance. For those who are pursuing Pencak Silat, Avila leaves a powerful reminder: One step at a time. You won’t win or get a medal instantly–you must endure the hardships before triumph. Pursue with effort and perseverance. -Mariane Torres/PIO Baguio Intern/gabykeith