At least 571 Dabawenyo athletes are gearing up to compete in the Batang Pinoy 2025 in General Santos City from October25 to 31, 2025.
Batang Pinoy was created through Presidential Executive Order No. 44 to provide an inclusive sporting platform for athletes aged 15 and below. It answers the needs of having a comprehensive grassroots sports program centered on values formation including nationalism, self-discipline, respect, hard work, camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Acting City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, in a message delivered by Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President of Davao City Kristine Abdul Mercado during the send-off ceremony on Monday, October 20, 2025, expressed his gratitude to the athletes for being the pride of Davao City.
“This moment signed as a tribute to your unwavering dedication and commitment to your sports. The countless hours of training, discipline and the effort you have poured in preparing for your competition, thank you for being our pride of Davao City,” he said.
He also reminded the athletes to pursue excellence, not only in the competition, and to embrace the true spirit of sportsmanship by respecting their opponents and officials.
Michael Denton P. Aportadera, acting head of the City Sports Development Division also said in his speech that true victory goes beyond winning and learning is where growth begins.
“If you win, good. You earn your medal. And if you learn from it and you didn’t quit, there’s always room for change and improvement,” he said.
The Davao City delegation for the Batang Pinoy represents 27 sports disciplines and are aided by 106 dedicated coaches and 24 support staff.
They will compete in Aquatics swimming, athletics, boxing, sepak takraw, dancesport, archery, badminton, chess, futsal, arnis, cycling, and taekwondo. CIO
