The 16th Batang Pinoy National Championships officially opens on Sunday, November 24, in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, marking the start of a week-long celebration of athletic excellence and cultural pride. Organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in collaboration with the Puerto Princesa City government, the event serves as the country’s flagship grassroots sports program, aimed at discovering the next generation of Filipino sports stars.
The Ramon V. Mitra Jr. Sports Complex and nearby venues are hosting 30 sporting disciplines, with athletics and swimming headlining the medal-rich competitions.
![(From left to right) Philippine Sports Commission Executive Director Paulo Francisco Tatad, PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron, and City Sports Director Atty. Rocky Austria in a group photo during the press conference at the City Mayor's Office prior to the opening of Batang Pinoy 2024 National Championships. [PSC photo]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/0Q6A2053-scaled.jpg)
Colorful Opening Ceremony
On Saturday, a vibrant opening ceremony at the RVM Sports Complex set the tone for the event, featuring cultural dances representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, alongside a grand parade of the 15,000 athletes and officials participating in the event.
PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann expressed his gratitude to Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron and the city government for their seamless partnership in hosting the games.
“We are thrilled to be back in Puerto Princesa, a city that has continuously supported the Batang Pinoy Nationals,” said Bachmann during a pre-event press conference.
Mayor Bayron echoed the sentiment, highlighting the city’s enthusiasm in hosting the event for the third time, following successful editions in 2002 and 2019.
Support for Athletes and Delegates
The PSC ensured that accommodations and stipends for the athletes were prioritized. Bachmann personally inspected billeting sites and commended local officials for their efforts in meeting the needs of the participants.
PSC Executive Director and Project Chief Paolo Francisco Tatad acknowledged the challenges of organizing three major events—National Para Games, Batang Pinoy, and the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games—in close succession but assured the smooth flow of the Batang Pinoy Championships.
Puerto Princesa’s Homegrown Talent
Puerto Princesa’s sports chief, Atty. Rocky Austria, is optimistic about the city’s chances in the competition, with over 200 local athletes participating. To inspire top performances, the city has pledged cash incentives of ₱50,000 for gold medalists, ₱30,000 for silver, and ₱20,000 for bronze medalists.
“I and Mayor Bayron would be happy if Puerto Princesa makes it to the top 10 of the overall standings,” Austria shared.
A Platform for Future Champions
As the competitions kick off, the Batang Pinoy National Championships continues to be a vital platform for nurturing young talent and instilling the values of sportsmanship and teamwork in Filipino youth.
The event promises not only exciting matches but also a showcase of the rich culture and unity of the Filipino people through sports.
