Batang Pinoy Visayas leg up in iloilo

MORE than 3,000 athletes from 67 local government units from all over the Visayas are expected to participate in the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) Batang Pinoy qualifying leg, which opens in iloilo City on Sunday.

“the city and province of iloilo have been wanting to host the Batang Pinoy, and we are glad it’s finally happening here,” said iloilo City Youth and Sports Development Office head Moises Salomon Jr.

“Final preparations are currently being done to assist not just the athletes but also the 572 coaches and 135 delegation officials attending the games,” National Secretariat Deputy head Paul Ycasas said.

Like in the Mindanao leg in tagum City in Davao del Norte from February 2 to 9, the PSC’s grassroots program for in-school and out-ofschool children aged 15 or younger will feature 20 sporting events in 15 different playing venues.

Ycasas identified La Paz Elementary School, Graciano Elementary School, Pison Elementary School, Montes Elementary School, Jaro Elementary School and Jalandoni Memorial National high School as the six billeting areas for athletes throughout the games.

in November 2017, Cebu City topped the Visayas leg overall title with 46 gold, 59 silver and 69 bronze medals, with host Dumaguete City finishing second with 41 gold, 29 silver and 44 bronze medals.