BAGUIO CITY — The 74th edition of the annual Januarius Fil-Am golf tournament is slated on November 26–December 14, 2024 at the Camp John Hay (CJH) and Baguio Country Club (BCC) fairways. The seniors division of the longest running amateur golf tournament in the world will be from November 26 to December 4, 2024 while the regular division will be scheduled on December 5-14, 2024. Jude Eustaquio, co-chairman of the Fil-Am Golf Executive Committee and general manager of the CJH Golf Club, said that more than 1,400 golfers from the Asia-Pacific region will be in the city during the 19-day competition to have fun playing their favorite sport while spending their well-deserved break in the country’s undisputed Summer Capital in time for the Yuletide season. Further, the golfers comprise the 260 participating teams in the said tournament which is five teams more than the 255 teams that joined the previous staging of the competition last year. He assured that both the CJH and BCC golf courses are ready in time for the conduct of the annual golf tournament after undergoing various refurbishments to ensure that the participating golfers will really have fun playing golf. One hundred twenty-nine teams will be joining the seniors division while 131 teams will be participating in the regular division of the golf tournament. For his part, Anthony de Leon, co-chairman of the Fil-Am Golf Executive Committee and BCC general manager, claimed there are still 110 teams in the waiting list of the organizers providing some options to be considered in the staging of the 75th edition of the tournament next year to ensure that more teams can participate in the prestigious competition. He added that two cars are up for grabs for the hole-in-one in both golf courses while another two cars will be raffled to the golfers during the separate awarding ceremonies of the seniors and regular divisions. (Baguio-PIO)              

Itogon and La Trinidad zoomed to their third wins, Bokod just a game behind, a win for a new look Kabayan and a Tuba player had his second player of the game award even as typhoon Kristine caused the cancellation of games in Kapangan Thursday night as the Cong. Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup. Benguet Basketball League finished its second week. Will Kean Lee made a successful return to La Trinidad and led the defending champion to an 88-57 victory over Buguias. Lee, who ended his Maharlika Professional Basketball League campaign with Abra losing to Pampanga in their quarterfinals series to end his two-game absence from the Congressional Cup, scored 28 points. It was a double-double performance for Lee on his debut as he added 12 rebounds, seven assists and five steals on his stat sheet last Saturday at the Benguet Sports Complex. Earlier, Lenard Cabanes had a 19-6-1-3 (points-rebounds-assists-steals) performance to lead Itogon to a 112-66 rout of Kibungan. The 46 point margin was also the biggest yet in the two week old tournament backed by Rep. Yap, the ACT-CIS Partylist, the office of Gov. Melchor Diclas and Media for Sports Development. Bokod took its second win in the tournament with Rey Bilibli leading the team past Mankayan 81-58. The former University of Baguio guard led the Ambuklao Dam residents with a 22-7-7-5 performance to win top individual honors that day. Arvin Gamboa and sharpshooter Kyle Naisod scored 22 and 18 points, respectively, to bounce back from a one point loss to powerhouse La Trinidad with a 76-69 conquest of Kapangan. Jervie Calivo, meanwhile, scored nine of his 14 point effort in the third quarter to turn a seven point halftime lead into a 12 point advantage after the third quarter as Tuba outlasted Tublay 73-57, for the team’s second win. On Tuesday, in Sablan, Calivo scored a low 10 markers to help Tuba past Kapangan, 58-53, for the team’s third win in four games. Calivo also became the first player to win back to back individual honors in the league. Khurt Ciano had just nine points, but was enough to lead Sablan to a 50-48 victory of Tublay at home also Tuesday. No Sablan player scored in double digit. The 98 combined points is the lowest in the league, while the 50 is the lowest winning score and 48 is the lowest losing score. On Wednesday night, Commissioner Roderick Osis announced the cancellation of games that was supposed to be held at Kapangan. Osis in his announcement wrote: “With tropical cyclone signal number 3 already hoisted in the Province of Benguet and other parts of North Luzon, the scheduled game(s) tomorrow, October 24, in the Municipality of Kapangan,… will be cancelled and will be moved to a later date.” The games slated in Kapangan are between Bakun and Tubay and host Kapangan against Buguias. “The safety of all participants and attendees is our top priority, and with the current weather situation, it is in the best interest of everyone to avoid unnecessary risks,” he added. There will be no games on Saturday in basketball but the volleyball games will be hosted by Sablan in October 27. The games will see Tuba eye its second win when it meets a debuting Kabayan at 8:00 AM, Itogon hopes to bounce back after defaulting its game last Sunday against Kibungan when it crosses path with Bakun. Itogon became the first ever team in the Yap Cup to have its game defaulted for failing to arrive on time. At noon, it will be Bokod trying to earn its second win against a beefed up but winless Buguias, then it will be Atok against Mankayan. The last game will see the first biggest game when favorite Sablan tests another touted team in La Trinidad. Both won their games last Sunday and are at the top of the Benguet Women’s Volleyball League. CEGYCC Release

A team of 25 athletes representing Zamboanga City’s Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) will be competing in the upcoming National Paragames, scheduled from November 10-14, 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Malate, Manila and Philsports Arena in Pasig. The city delegation will be vying for medals in athletics, swimming, badminton, chess, and power lifting. This marks a momentous occasion for the city’s PWD community, offering a unique platform to showcase their abilities and athletic prowess. The Paragames Coordinator and Official, citing City Ordinance 549, emphasizes the event’s focus on recreational wellness and its non-political, non-traditional nature. “Sports events are a symbol of peace and unity,” the PWD official said. The delegation is seeking the support of the community in its quest for success, aiming to bring home medals and trophies to Zamboanga City, known as “Asia’s Latin City.” The team’s dedication and determination promise an exciting and inspiring display of athleticism during the National Paragames. (Henry Salac/PDAU)

BAGUIO CITY — The City Council, recently, approved the request for additional funding for the city’s sports fund amounting to P12 million for the preparation of the athletes participating in the annual grassroots program of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Philippine Youth Games or Batang Pinoy National Championships 2024 that will be held 2024 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on November 23—28, subject to availability of funds. The fund allocation was contained under Ordinance No. 53, series of 2024 for the local government to field its delegation to the annual grassroots sports competition. Earlier, the council considered a letter dated August 30, 2024 of City Administrator Bonifacio dela Pena requesting additional funding for the city’s sports fund amounting to P12 million to prepare Baguio-based athletes participating in the annual grassroots program of the PSC, particularly the Philippine Youth Games or Batang Pinoy National Championships scheduled on December 15-20, 2024 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. He explained that the amount of PhP7 million will be spent on the participation of athletes in the Batang Pinoy while PhP5 million will augment the current incentives fund which is already depleted. However, in an official statement dated September 12, 2024, Executive Director and Project Director Paulo Francisco C. Tatad of the PSC, Batang Pinoy National Championships 2024, stated that after the release of the Department of Education’s calendar, it was discovered that the period December 15-20, 2024 still coincides with school classes and as a result, the event will be adjusted from the earlier schedule to November 23-28, 2024 which is aligned with their mid-year school break. (Baguio PIO)          

Sablan hopes to complete a double whammy as it seeks to extend its winning ways in the Rep. Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup Women’s Volleyball Championship starting October 13. With already a stacked-up line-up, Sablan, which was undefeated in the elimination round of the Gov. Melchor Diclas Volleyball Tournament champion, adds up Jasmynne Joyce Polon, the Baguio Benguet Educational Athletic League top attacker from the Baguio College of Technology. Polon, a Sablan native, hopes to bring her firepower to the team, and win another crown for the town. Despite losing Maricar Pilay to Tublay, Sablan is expected to lean on team captain Hannah Mhae Dumpit and Anna Mae Laruan, one of the eight players from the Cordillera Career Development College to play in the inaugural volleyball tournament under the congressman. “They are surely a strong team and has become stronger with the addition of Polon,” said Pilay, who nearly failed to play in the Cong Yap Cup after an injury scare at the end of the previous tournament. Pilay, also a former CCDC Lady Admiral, however, said that they could yet pull a surprise on her former team. “We will just see,” said Pilay, who now works at the Tublay mayor’s office which she had been employed recently. Her mother is from Tublay. Another Lady Admiral, Ereich Dangbis is expected to give Pilay the boost in their quest. But it will be Kapangan that is expected to give Sablan a run for its money. Kapangan was the only team that dealt Sablan a defeat in the last tournament, a three set victory on game one of the finals despite the absence of top server and most valuable player Dezsaera Mae Monang, who injured her right leg at the end of the eliminations. But Edralyn Mangantulao and libero Phoebe Aludos stepped up to extend the finals to a second game which Sablan won and the tournament. With Lady Admirals Crisha Pagcial and Roselyn Suhat, Kapangan is expected to be even better with Danilo Eduardo calling the shots for the hometown of World War II hero Bado Dangwa. In a letter sent by Dumpit, also the coach and sports assistant of CCDC, to the organizing committee said that Mankayan has two  of their players in the line-up, namely, Marlyn Julian and Sandrine Collado. Itogon hopes to chase for the title with Lhyraine Rhuizze Barrientos in its fold.  The team could be even stronger with former University of the Cordilleras Lady Jaguar Rhynae Arances suiting up. Atok will have Amhory Vlla Paoad to fortify its quest for at least a quarterfinals appearance. La Trinidad will also have a former Saint Louis University setter in Shirley Balantac. Opening ceremonies for the basketball and volleyball tournament will be on October 12 with games in basketball to start immediately after. While games in basketball ends late December, volleyball games are expected to be over by late February. (CEGYCC release)            

Congratulations to Baguio City’s very own car racing phenom, Iñigo Navarrete Anton, on your back-to-back Rookie Cup wins in the recently concluded Formula 4 Australian Championship held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Iñigo Anton, a third-year college student at the University of Baguio, has already achieved numerous national titles in car racing, bringing immense pride to our city. We continue to congratulate you on your accomplishments and wish you all the best as you raise the Philippine flag on the international stage. Your achievements not only enhance Baguio City’s presence in the world but also inspire many young athletes to pursue their dreams. We are excited to see where your journey takes you next! Keep racing towards greatness, Iñigo! From the People of Baguio City

TABUK CITY,Kalinga  — The provincial government of Kalinga honored Hergie Tao-wag Bacyadan, the first Kalinga athlete to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics, with a special ceremonial program, on September 9. Governor James S. Edduba, together with SP members Hon. Antonio Bakilan, Hon. Danzel Michael Langkit, Hon.Lester Lee Tarnate, and Hon. Mark Aldrich Diasen, awarded Bacyadan a cash incentive of 500,000 pesos through SP Resolution No. 2024-222. Vice Governor Jocel C. Baac, represented by Atty. Christopher Dona-al, congratulated Bacyadan, saying, “She may not have won the medal yet, but we can definitely achieve more through her.”   Governor Edduba expressed pride in Bacyadan’s accomplishments, acknowledging the hardships she faced. “Kadagiti inistoryam nga rigat mo, dagiti nagsangsangitam, dagiti sakripisyo, dagiti saksakit ti bagbagim, ket daytoy ti supapakna. Nakitam nu kasanu ti panagwelcome ti kakailyan nga taga Kalinga kenka. You have seen how they love you. You have seen how they are very proud of you. You have seen how they want to be like you.” This Kalinga Hero’s Welcome began with a motorcade passing through schools, where students participated to show their support and well wishes to the Olympian. Hergie Tao-wag Bacyadan, from Taloctoc, Tanudan, made history as the first Kalinga athlete to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. She represented the Philippines in the women’s 75 kg (middleweight) boxing division. Bacyadan reflected on the challenges she faced throughout her journey, including the lack of professional training during her early years in sports. She recalled carrying sacks of palay during college, which contributed to her physical strength. “It’s not surprising that even without professional training back then, I was already physically strong,” Bacyadan said. Her path to the Olympics was marked by obstacles, and she admitted there were times she considered giving up due to limited resources and emotional difficulties. However, the support of her family kept her going. She earned her spot in the Olympics after defeating Venezuela’s Maryelis Yriza in the 2024 World Olympic Qualification Tournament. Before the provincial government’s recognition, Bacyadan was honored with the traditional welcome ceremony by the Taloctoc community in Tanudan.

By Gaby B. Keith   BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed city council resolution no. 455, series of 2024, urging all organizers in the Summer Capital to provide at least one (1) personnel trained in basic life support during the conduct of their respective sports activities. The personnel must have undergone training from an accredited agency like the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Health Services Office, Department of Health, or the Philippine National Red Cross, using nationally recognized evidence-based guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care and psychomotor training to support the instruction. A certificate shall be issued by the accredited agency upon completion of the training, the approved measure stated. The personnel trained may be the referee, coach, or any other person who shall be on standby until the end of the sports activity. Authored by councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, the measure cites several provisions of ordinance no. 47, series of 2021, that recognizes the need for immediate medical attention for any health emergency that may occur in a city government-sanctioned sports event. However, the approved resolution stated that said provisions do not cover private sports events where such emergencies may occur, hence, the need for this measure. Concerned agencies, sports associations, association of Baguio city official referees, sports organizers, barangays, and the City Sports Office shall furnish copies of the resolution for their information and appropriate action.

Our Taekwondo athletes have done it again, bringing home a total of 16 gold, 9 silver, and 5 bronze medals from the Classic International Open Taekwondo Championships Malaysia 2024. DERRON BLAKE BAUTISTA Gold – Individual Poomsae Gold – Team Poomsae Gold – Speedkicking Silver – Kyurogi EZEKIEL OWEN ROMANO Gold – Team Poomsae Silver – Individual Poomsae Silver – Speed Kicking Bronze – Sparring RUTH LAFASNI Gold – Individual Poomsae Gold – Family Poomsae VALTER ALISTAIR LAFASNI Gold – Individual Poomsae Gold – Family poomsae Silver – Pair poomsae Gold – Speed kicking Bronze – Sparring SAM LESTAT ANGCAWAY Gold – Poomsae Bronze – Speed Kicking Bronze – Pair Poomsae MICAH CHAWI Gold – Poomsae Silver – Sparring Silver – Speedkicking Silver – Pair Poomsae ALEXA VERA QUITIQUIT Gold – Individual Poomsae Bronze – Pair Poomsae Gold – Kyorugi Gold – Speed Kicking PARESH RAIDEN SAPDOY Gold – Individual Poomsae Gold – Team Poomsae Silver – Kyorugi Silver – Speedkicking 1st Place Overall Champion Poomsae – UFC-Taekwondo Baguio