BACOLOD City – Cebu’s Tashanah Balangauan capped her Vis-Min sweep in emphatic fashion while hometown bet John Rey Oro staged a back-nine breakaway to headline the ICTSI Bacolod Junior PGT Championship at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club.
Balangauan, just 16, fired a closing 70 for a 212 total to post a commanding 13-shot triumph in the girls’ 15-18 division. It was her third consecutive victory in the Visayas-Mindanao swing after earlier wins in Mactan and Marapara, securing her spot as the favorite heading into the Elite Junior Finals.
“I’m truly grateful for this experience – it’s humbling, and even more special because I started my JPGT campaign with three straight victories,” said Balangauan. “I give all the glory to God for these blessings. This achievement isn’t mine alone; it’s also for everyone who has supported me along the way – my family and my support team.”
Davao’s Precious Zaragosa settled for runner-up at 225 after a final-round 73, while Breanna Rojas finished third at 253.
In the boys’ 15-18 class, Oro pulled away after a crucial birdie on No. 11, where rival Mhark Fernando III stumbled with a double bogey. Despite late miscues, Oro’s two-over 72 sealed a four-stroke win with a 218 aggregate.
“I felt a bit pressured in the last few holes, but I knew I had a big lead, so it was okay,” Oro admitted. “My putting was solid, and my driving and chipping were also on point.”
His twin brother, John Paul, carded a 75 and edged Fernando for second place on countback after both ended at 222. Fernando slipped to third with a 76.
The Oro twins, however, fell short of qualifying for the Finals after playing only two legs, below the minimum requirement.
Other champions emerged in the younger brackets: siblings Rafella and Ralph Batican in the 11-14 division, and Ana Marie Aguilar and Lucas Revilleza in the 7-10 class. Rafella also snared the final Finals berth in her age group./PN
