The Aboitiz Football Cup (AFC) 2025 concluded recently with an exciting finale at the Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex in Cebu, where the Don Bosco teams dominated the tournament.

Don Bosco-Liloan Cebu emerged as champion in the Players 16 Boys category, while Don Bosco Technical College claimed the title in the Players 18 Boys division.

Davao Hyenas FC and Batangas Blitzkrieg Football Foundation secured second and third place, respectively, in the Players 16 category; while Batangas Stingrays FC and Davao Rovers FC finished second and third, respectively, in the Players 18 division.

This season of the AFC Champions League featured top football clubs from across the country, showcasing the nation’s best young football talent. The tournament not only celebrated football excellence but also reinforced the Aboitiz Foundation’s commitment to sustainability.

Standout athletes and special awards

Several standout athletes were recognized for their exceptional performances.

In the Players 16 division, Xchyler Pantinople was named MVP, with Mark Justine Silmaro taking the Best Goalkeeper award.

Zaeous Mikael Cortez was honored as Best Defender, Nathaniel Alexis Tan earned Best Midfielder, and Antonio Benito Canton was awarded Best Striker.

In the Players 18 division, Allister Louis Manlosa took the MVP award. Eugene Christian A. Molleno was named Best Goalkeeper, while John Lexter Conde won Best Defender. Godwin Velasquez and Cyrus Primar Ventura were recognized as Best Midfielder and Best Striker, respectively.

Sustainability efforts shine

A highlight of AFC Season 24 was its dedication to sustainability through the Wasteless Campaign, a collaboration with Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines’ (CCEAP) Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo! program.

Athletes, coaches, and spectators participated in collecting and recycling clear PET bottles, with the materials sent to PETValue Philippines, an advanced recycling facility run by Coca-Cola and Indorama Ventures.

“The Aboitiz Football Cup is more than just a tournament —it’s an avenue to instill positive values in young athletes while championing meaningful advocacies,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, president of Aboitiz Foundation.

“We’re proud to collaborate with CCEAP to expand the reach of our Wasteless Campaign, proving that sports and sustainability can go hand in hand,” she said.

This season, AFC collected and sorted out 1,000 kilograms of clear PET bottles, equivalent to approximately 53,000 bottles.

The initiative not only helped reduce environmental waste but also promoted sustainable habits within communities.

Leading sustainability charge

Three teams stood out for their commitment to sustainability.

USC Alumni FC led the effort with 216.95-kg of PET bottles, followed by SportsGen Int’l Academy with 137.3-kg, and Rongcales Futbolitos FC with 111-kg. These teams exemplified exceptional dedication to environmental responsibility, further strengthening AFC’s sustainability advocacy.

“Our partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation for the Aboitiz Football Cup highlights how even small efforts can make a big impact,” said lawyer Juan Lorenzo Tañada, CCEAP VP for Corporate & Regulatory Affairs. “This milestone for our Tapon to Ipon program is a step forward in our shared goal of a circular economy.”

Continued commitment to sustainability

In addition to the on-field competition, AFC collaborated with local barangays and junk shops to ensure the proper processing of the collected bottles.

With the success of this season’s tournament, the Aboitiz Football Cup is poised to continue its focus on sustainability in future editions. Strengthening partnerships with CCEAP and engaging the football community, AFC aims to inspire athletes and fans alike to embrace a greener, more sustainable future — on and off the field.

This initiative is supported by Aboitiz Foundation’s partners, including CCEAP, Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc., and the Central Visayas Football Association, with additional support from AboitizPower’s Thermal Group and AdventEnergy.