Bago City’s Divine Pablito delivers Batang Pinoy’s first gold amid record-breaking start

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Bago City’s Divine Pablito captured the first gold medal of the 2025 Batang Pinoy National Championships, powering through tough weather to rule the girls’ discus throw U18 final at the Antonio Acharon Sports Complex.

The 17-year-old standout from Ramon Torres National High School hurled 32.19 meters on her first attempt to edge Maasin City’s Trisha Nalla (31.26m) and Tarlac’s Gwenn Julia Salac (30.05m). Her win marked a breakthrough after finishing eighth in the previous edition of the tournament.

“I only expected to make the top eight, not number one,” said Pablito, who braved slippery conditions due to light rain. “It’s difficult when it rains, the surface gets slippery,” she added.

Bago City’s Divine Pablito competes in the girls’ discus throw under rainy conditions. [PR photo]

Pablito’s victory highlights event’s promising start

Pablito’s early triumph set the tone for hostilities in General Santos City, where thousands of young athletes from across the country are competing in multiple sports under the Batang Pinoy banner organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

PSC Chairman John Patrick C. Gregorio personally kicked off the day’s activities by flagging off the criterium cycling event near the General Santos City Hall before meeting the press at Lagao Gym.

Nine national marks fall in the pool

Over at the pool, nine swimming records were shattered on opening day, headlined by local bet Christian Isaiah Lagnason. The General Santos swimmer broke two marks in the boys’ 12–13 division, resetting standards in both the 200-meter individual medley and 100-meter freestyle.

Other standout performers included Ashton Clyde Jose of Santa Rosa, who dominated the boys’ 16–17 IM, and Mandaluyong’s Kevin Bryle Chan, who led an all-record-breaking podium finish in the 14–15 100m freestyle. Girls’ swimmers Sophia Rose Garra, Rhian Casey Casona, and FJ Catherine Cruz also established new age-group records in their respective backstroke events.

Action continues Monday across multiple venues in General Santos City as more young athletes vie for medals in what’s shaping up to be the biggest Batang Pinoy National Championships to date.