GENERAL SANTOS City – Proving that hard work and local talent can conquer the national stage, 17-year-old cyclist Precious Faye Hindap of Iloilo City marked her first-ever Batang Pinoy appearance with a stunning double-gold performance in the girls’ 16–17 individual cycling events.
Racing with grit and precision, Hindap clocked 1:19:53 to rule the individual road race along Albert Morrow Boulevard, finishing in a tight pack with fellow Ilongga Yvonne Alejado of Passi City (silver) and Sheila Marie Rapada of Ormoc City (bronze).
“Nahirapan akong mag-break away sa kanila, magagaling eh,” Hindap said, describing the high-level competition. “Mga three months akong nag-training. Masaya siyempre na naka-gold medal ako.”
Just a day earlier, Hindap captured her first gold medal in the individual time trial, completing a rare golden double in her debut national competition under the Philippine Sports Commission’s premier grassroots sports program. She credited her mentors Pido Pesina and Teessai Blanco “for recognizing her potential” and guiding her through her training journey.
In the boys’ division of the same road race, Pasig City’s Nathaniel Aquino (2:10:24) edged Iloilo City’s Aldren John Decafe by a second, while Makati City’s Roy Benedict Plastina settled for bronze at 2:10:54.
Meanwhile, Iloilo’s athletic contingent continued to shine across disciplines. Franklin Catera of Tigbauan National High School shattered his own Batang Pinoy high jump record, clearing 2.04 meters to surpass his previous mark of 1.98 meters set last year in Puerto Princesa.
Also bringing home gold was Winnie John Paclibae of Iloilo Province, who ruled the javelin throw event.
On the chessboard, Iloilo’s young prodigies displayed mental mastery. Iana Angela Sotaridona clinched two gold medals in the girls’ 15-under rapid and blitz events, while Elliane Summer Abanco captured another in the girls’ 13-under blitz. King Lanz Pamplona (boys’ 16-under) and Faith Argenal (girls’ 13-under) added silvers in the standard and rapid divisions, respectively.
With its athletes excelling from the track to the board, Iloilo has emerged as one of the most formidable delegations in the 2025 Batang Pinoy National Championships./PN
