Quake-hit Gensan ready for Batang Pinoy

Despite being jolted by an earthquake, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) assured that General Santos City is already prepared to host the 2025 Batang Pinoy starting 25 October.

PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said they coordinated with relevant government agencies like the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to ensure the safety of thousands of athletes, coaches, technical officials and guests.

Gregorio said despite the region being rocked by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake on Friday, everything is still going according to plan with the province now applying finishing touches on its hosting of the biggest and most prestigious athletic event for athletes 17 years old and younger.

“I think General Santos seems to be there all set. The local government of Gensan has been preparing for a long time,” said Gregorio, who was in Davao City and General Santos City on Thursday and Friday to personally spearhead the coordination meetings with private and government agencies.

“In our meeting earlier, the PNP, BFP, Coast Guard, and the counselors, we just want to make sure that all athletes, their families and visitors are safe in Gensan when the tournament starts on 25 October.”

Gregorio said the safety of all delegates are their primary concern. In fact, they are now inspecting the venues and other sport facilities so that no untoward incident will happen during the staging of the week-long sports festivity.