CLOSE to 200 local government units (LGUs) from all over the country are expected to challenge host Baguio City when the Batang Pinoy national finals kicks off September 15 to 21.
The Summer Capital is set to brace for the tough challenge from other LGUs in the weeklong sports competition for athletes aged 15 years old and below.
City sports coordinator Gaudencio Gonzales said the city is bent on retaining the over-all title and pins its hopes on archery, arnis, taekwando, and boxing.
“Our strength is basically in combative sports but we’re also hoping other sports like athletics and swimming will also step up,” said Gonzales in an earlier interview.
Last week, the Philippine Sports Commission sealed its partnership with the city and Benguet Province for the co-hosting of the 2018 Batang Pinoy National Championship.
PSC commissioner Celia Kiram together with City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Benguet Governor Crescencio Pacalso and Department of Education -Baguio Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Federico Martin confirmed their partnership with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA).
Batang Pinoy is the national youth sports competition in the country for athletes enrolled in elementary and secondary who are under 15 years old, including out-of-school-youth. It was established through Executive Order No. 44, which was signed by then President Joseph Estrada on December 2, 1998.
“We thank all the stakeholders that worked to make sure that Baguio City and Benguet will co-host the Batang Pinoy,” Domogan said in his message during the MOA signing event.
Pacalso added the province of Benguet is looking forward to this year’s event and to other major events to be held in the province in partnership with Baguio City and other stakeholders.
Kiram said there is no stopping the PSC in holding the Batang Pinoy in Baguio City and Benguet. After meeting the requirements of the games which include playing venues, billeting areas and other facilities.
“The preparation of Baguio City and Benguet for the Palarong Pambansa will not be in vain,” Kiram said referring to the LGUs’ loss to Vigan City for the hosting of the Palarong Pambansa 2018.
Over 7,000 delegates composed of athletes, technical officials, coaches and local government officials from Visayas, Mindanao, Bicol region and Southern Luzon will see action in 28 sports—22 of which will be hosted by Baguio and six by Benguet province. (Roderick Osis)