STA. CRUZ, Laguna. The Province of Laguna emerged triumphant at the recently concluded Philippine Sports Commission’s National Batang Pinoy, clinching an impressive total of 67 medals during the week-long event held in Metro Manila from December 16 to 22, 2023.
Laguna’s medal haul included 20 gold, 20 silver, and 27 bronze medals, showcasing the province’s diverse talent across multiple sports. The Muaythai Team, led by Coach Preciosa Ocaya-Delarmino, played a pivotal role in this success, contributing a substantial 15 gold, 13 silver, and 9 bronze medals to Laguna’s overall tally.
The provincial contingent also demonstrated excellence in Badminton, Karatedo, Pencak Silat, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Cycling, Arnis, Athletics, and Table Tennis, underscoring the province’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded and competitive young athlete community.
Governor Ramil L. Hernandez and the Provincial Government of Laguna (PGL) threw their unwavering support behind the athletes, with the Provincial Sports and Games Development Office (PSGDO) fielding an impressive 225 competitors in the youth-oriented competition. Over 18,000 athletes from 190 local government units (LGUs) in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao participated in the event, making it one of the most extensive gatherings of young talents in the country.
Compared to their 2022 performance, where they secured 51 medals – 20 gold, 15 silver, and 16 bronze, Laguna’s 2023 medal tally showcased a significant improvement, winning 5 more silver and 11 more bronze medals. This earned them the 4th Overall Championship, with Quezon City, Pasig, and Baguio securing the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st places respectively in the 2022 national finals, where more than 80 cities and provinces took part.
The final overall medal tally for the 2023 Batang Pinoy is yet to be released by the Philippine Sports Commission. Despite the delays, Mr. Mario C. Tobias, In-Charge of Office (ICO) for PSGDO, confirmed that medalists and their coaches can anticipate cash incentives from PGL early this year. This gesture aims to recognize their hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievements in bringing honor to the province of Laguna on the national stage.
Carlo Juancho FuntanillaFrontend Developer, WordPress, Shopify
Contributing Editor
AMA ACLC San Pablo
