Tarlac athletes honored for medal wins at SEA Games, Batang Pinoy

TARLAC CITY — Local athletes who won medals for Tarlac in the 2025 SEA Games and Batang Pinoy were honored by the provincial government in a ceremony at the capitol on Thursday, where they received cash incentives.

Led by Governor Christian Yap and Vice Governor Lita Aquino, the event recognized the athletes’ performances in the two competitions held late last year. The SEA Games ran 9–20 December in Thailand, while Batang Pinoy was held 25–31 October in General Santos City.

In the SEA Games, Kiel Calvin Soriano and Jaypee Gonzales Dela Cruz won gold in Men’s Mobile Legends: BangBang (Esports), while Joshua Pineda secured gold in Men’s Baseball. Merry Joy I. Trupa earned silver in the Duathlon Mixed Relay. Alfred D. Talplacido claimed bronze in Athletics 4x400m Mixed Relay, and Aeron John Lanuza won bronze in Practical Shooting Men’s Production Individual.

At Batang Pinoy, Christian James F. Escaño captured two gold medals in Athletics U16 Boys Long Jump and Triple Jump. Rich Justin A. Torres took gold in Athletics U16 Boys Shot Put, while Ronjie G. Salcedo won gold in Cycling 12–13-year-old Road Event Individual Time Trial.

John Lester P. Calura, Prince Hanzen M. Bredes, Ace Gabriel R. Bagalawis, Chris Vincent Binasbas, and Luigie C. Tamundong earned silver in the 17U Boys Beach Volleyball division. Gwenn Julia V. Salac secured bronze in Athletics U18 Girls Discus Throw, and Mark Vergel E. Gonzales took bronze in Athletics U18 Boys 400m Hurdles.

“Our Tarlakenyo athletes have shown what passion and perseverance can achieve,” Yap said during the ceremony.

The provincial government said it would continue supporting young athletes through training programs and equipment assistance in preparation for future competitions.