Three thousand athletes from 67 local government units all over the Visayas region are expected to participate in the Philippine Sports Commission’s Batang Pinoy qualifying leg which opens in Iloilo City on Sunday.
“The city and province of Iloilo have been wanting to host the Batang Pinoy and we are glad it’s finally happening here,” said Iloilo City Youth and Sports Development Office Head Moises Salomon Jr.
National Secretariat Deputy Head Paul Ycasas added that, “final preparations are currently being done to assist not just the athletes, but also the 572 coaches and 135 delegation officials attending the games.”
Like its Mindanao leg in Tagum, Davao del Norte last February 2 to 9, the PSC’s grassroots sporting event for in-school and out-of-school children for 15 years under will feature 20 sporting events, in 15 different playing venues.
Ycasas identified La Paz Elementary School, Graciano Elementary School, Pison Elementary School, Montes Elementary School, Jaro Elementary School and Jalandoni Memorial National High School as the six billeting areas for athletes throughout the games.
Last November 2017, Cebu City claimed the Batang Pinoy Visayas leg overall title with 46 gold medals, 59 silver medals and 69 bronze medals, with host Dumaguete City on second spot with 41 gold, 29 silver and 44 bronze.”‹