GENERAL SANTOS CITY — New sports heroes have answered the call of greatness after their impressive performances in this year’s Batang Pinoy (BP).

While Baguio City, poised to reclaim the overall crown it lost last year, leads with 59 golds, 41 silvers and 52 bronze medals, athletes from all over the country flexed their muscles in the biggest edition of the grassroots competition organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

For starters, Patricia Mae Santor of Manila City was one of the biggest stars of the Batang Pinoy with six gold medals and one silver medal.

More than her victory, the 17-year-old tanker from the University of Santo Tomas dedicated her campaign to her teammates as they became one of the best-performing local government units (LGU) in the Batang Pinoy.

“Overall, it is a case of teamwork. The support of the parents and teammates, I am grateful for their support,” Santor said.

In the overall standings, defending champion Pasig City is in second as of 2:12 p.m. with a 53-37-51 gold-silver-bronze medal tally.

After a dismal one-gold production last year, Manila delivered big time this year, taking 39 golds, 36 silvers and 31 bronze medals for third place.

In chess, Woman FIDE Master Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro City dominated the girls’ U17 category, winning six gold medals, while International Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Zamboanga City won five golds in the boys’ U16 category.

More than just winning medals, PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio lauded the athletes and parents and LGU in supporting the athletes’ dreams.

“I’m sure they spent a lot to get here. At the end of the day, it is not just about winning but the experience you will get,” Gregorio said.

With Bacolod City hosting next year’s Batang Pinoy, Gregorio assured everybody they will remain in touch with key government agencies like the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“The Philippine Sports Commission will continue strengthening the Batang Pinoy. The Department of Education will join us to collaborate for the Palarong Pambansa and the DILG to assist us in supporting the local governments,” Gregorio said.