Baguio outshines other LGUS in Batang Pinoy
BARRING any late medal surge from other local government units, Baguio City is set to clinch the over-all title in the Luzon leg of the Batang Pinoy being held in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
The Summer Capital, according to city sports coordinator Gaundecio Gonzales, has amassed 42 gold medals including 40 silver and 42 bronze as of October 27.
Gonzales added the city is currently at the top of the team standings followed by Laguna, Dasmariñas, Cavite; Pangasinan and San Jose, Nueva Ecija completing the top five. In the running for a decent 6th to 10th place finish are Pasig, La Union, Quezon City, Makati, and Lucena.
“Malaking factor yung experience, talent, and skills of our athletes especially in combat sports and archery which is still a reliable medal source,” said Gonzales.
Bulk of the city’s medal came from arnis, harvesting 18-1615 followed by taekwondo with 14 – 13-14 while archery was able to hit their mark with 8-8-6 medal haul. Athletics and swimming had one gold each.
“I believe Baguio has top caliber coaches compared to other LGUs with the city extending support to sports development,” added Gonzales.
Batang Pinoy is the national sports competition program for young athletes with two categories: under 13 and 13 to 15 years old, and is envisioned to address the need for a grassroots sports program centered on values formation inherent in the practice of sports and play.
The competition also aims to inculcate in the young minds of Filipino athletes the value of patriotism, nationalism, self discipline, respect for law and order, hard work, teamwork, camaraderie, sportsmanship and fair play, thus eliminating the child’s chances of becoming a juvenile delinquent.
Batang Pinoy also serves as recruitment base for sports specialization including training for other high level leagues, national and international competitions.