NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. lauded the Sagay City sepak takraw girls team and the futsal boys team after taking home gold and silver medals, respectively, in the recently-concluded Batang Pinoy Games 2018 held in Baguio City.

Marañon said that the contingents' performances are results of an effective implementation of sports development programs of local government units.

Aside from the Batang Pinoy, Marañon added that the province was able to produce top athletes competing overseas and winning honors.

“As a result of unity among LGUs and its sports coordinators, we were able to bring out the best players in boxing, taekwondo, badminton, football, table tennis, volleyball, basketball and athletics, among others,” he said.

Provincial Sports coordinator Angel Verdeflor and Sagay City Sports chief Benzon Fernandez said more will succeed in sports with the collective efforts among the stakeholders.

Bacolod City finished second overall having 14 gold, eight silver and eight bronze medals as Sagay City tallied four gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

Marañon believes that the staging of such tournament will further help in the development of the sport in the province. (HGD)