ILOILO CITY — Iloilo’s young athletes are turning heads and breaking records. Following the recently concluded Batang Pinoy 2025 in General Santos City, the provincial government is set to reward its rising stars with cash incentives under Provincial Ordinance No. 2000-217.

Gold medalists will take home Php8,000, silver winners Php6,000, and bronze recipients Php4,000 each. From a team of 60 athletes, Iloilo returned with 51 medals — 14 gold, 11 silver, and 26 bronze — across various sports, signaling a growing pool of talent among the province’s youth.

Two athletes made history with national records. Winnie Paclibar shattered the Under-16 javelin record with a throw of 54.99 meters, while Christian Dominic Hubag of Pavia clocked 2:01.97 in the 800-meter run. Both marks are now official national benchmarks in the U16 category.

“These performances are exceptional and set the standard for future Batang Pinoy competitions,” said athletics technical director Ross Hamero. Paclibar and Hubag’s feats reflect Iloilo’s commitment to nurturing young talents capable of shining on the national stage.

Track and field stars Franklin Catera of Tigbauan and Kian Labar of Dingle also made waves. Catera, a three-time Batang Pinoy gold medalist, cleared 2.04 meters in the boys’ high jump, surpassing his own record from last year.

“Every jump is a challenge to outdo myself,” Catera said. “I’m proud to bring this home for Tigbauan and Iloilo.”

Meanwhile, Labar dominated the 400-meter dash, clocking 48.84 seconds, slicing off the previous record of 49.3 seconds. Hailing from Barangay Ilajas, Labar’s journey from running barefoot on dusty roads to national glory is a testament to perseverance and dedication.

“I just give my best every time I run,” Labar said. “Breaking the record is a dream come true, but it’s only the beginning.”

Ray Cabarles, Sports Development Officer IV said the cash incentives aim not only to reward excellence but also to inspire Iloilo’s youth to continue pursuing athletics, with hopes of building a new generation of national and international champions. Standout performances were noted not just in track and field but also in swimming and basketball, reflecting Iloilo’s well-rounded approach to sports development.

“This is a recognition of not just winning, but of discipline, perseverance, and pride for Iloilo,” Cabarles said, emphasizing that the rewards form part of broader efforts to promote youth development through sports.

With gold medals, national records, and inspiring stories, Iloilo’s athletes have brought home more than hardware — they have carried the province’s pride and proven that discipline, talent, and heart remain the keys to championship success.