Baguio City retains Batang Pinoy crown

Dasmariñas bags the Batang Pinoy boys basketball gold medal.

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — Baguio City defended its overall crown at the conclusion of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-Batang Pinoy national finals yesterday here.

The young athletes from the country’s Summer Capital banked on their strong showing in combat sports to become the most successful local government unit in this competition organized by the PSC for children aged 15 and below.

Baguio City amassed 61 golds, 45 silvers and 70 bronze medals to retain its overall title.

Wushu (12 golds) and Muay Thai (10) delivered big for Baguio City, which also pocketed P3 million for being the overall champion.

Cebu City came in second with a 36-34-35 medal haul (gold-silver-bronze) followed by Davao City (31-30-40), Laguna Province (29-26-18) and Quezon City (26-25-23).

Talisay City bagged three golds in duathlon in the final day of the competition at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex with James Carlo Flores (11-12 boys), Matthew Hermosa (13-15 boys) and Moira Erediano (13-15 girls) ruling their respective categories for Talisay City.

In boys basketball, Dasmarinas routed Mariveles in the finals, 101-85, while Cagayan de Oro demolished Iloilo City, 108-66, in the girls finals at the Palawan State University gym. Pangasinan dominated lawn tennis led by Ezekiel Mari Jucutan.

Archer Aldrener Igot Jr. of Cebu City was the most bemedalled athlete with eight golds while swimmers Aubrey Tom of Cainta, Mark Bryan Dula of Parañaque and John Alexander Michael Talosig of Cotabato, with gymnast Karl Jahrel Eldrew Yulo of Manila had five gold mints apiece.

“My ultimate goal is to qualify for the Philippine team,” the 14-year old Igot said.