By Rachel Magday
NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito on Friday ,Oct. 10, personally handed initial cash assistance out of his own pocket and pledged additional support from provincial government funds to Alexander R. Tagure Jr., who has been named to the Philippine team for the 3rd Asian Youth Games, set for October 22 to 31 in Manama, Bahrain—becoming the first-ever athlete from Nueva Vizcaya to compete at the Asian Youth Games.
“Alexander will not walk alone to Manama. Nueva Vizcaya stands behind him with concrete support for his preparation and competition so he can fight with heart for the Philippine team and make our province proud,” Governor Gambito said.
Tagure was accompanied to the governor’s office by his uncle and coach, Erwin Tagure, and his mother, Virginia Ramos Tagure.
The 17-year-old native of Brgy. Gabut, Dupax del Sur,is the sixth of nine siblings and a member of the Ibaloi‑Kalanguya indigenous community.
A decorated martial arts athlete, Tagure has earned the following honors:
- 2023 Palarong Pambansa Gold Medalist
- 2024 Batang Pinoy Gold Medalist – Wushu Sanda
- 3x Muay Thai Nationals Gold Medalist
- 2023 Most Promising Muay Thai Athlete
- 3x Luzon Leg Muay Thai Gold Medalist
- 2024 Kickboxing National Championships Gold Medalist
- 2024 Best Junior Kickboxer
- 2024 40th Team Lakay Grapplers Cup – Best Submission
- 2025 42nd Team Lakay Grapplers Cup Gold Medalist
- 2025 Northern International Jiu-Jitsu Championships Double Gold Medalist
With provincial support in place, Tagure heads back to training while Gov Gambito urges everyone to cheer him on.
