BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo — Barotac Nuevo’s football-driven sports program once again proved its dominance as its student-athletes delivered a multi-gold medal haul in the 2026 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet, spearheading Iloilo Province’s championship campaign across multiple disciplines.
Bannered by its powerhouse football squads, Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive High School (BNNCHS) captured the gold medal in the secondary girls’ football division, while Barotac Nuevo Central Elementary School (BNCES) ruled the elementary boys’ category, reaffirming the town’s long-standing reputation as a football capital in the region.
The winning momentum spilled over to futsal, where BNNCHS also clinched gold in the secondary girls’ division, while Tubungan Elementary School added another title for Iloilo by topping the elementary girls’ category.
Further boosting the town’s medal tally, Gian Carlo Abalo of BNNCHS contributed to Iloilo’s success as part of the secondary boys’ football team that secured the gold medal in their division.
Barotac Nuevo athletes also excelled in goalball, with Princess Alexa Nicole Infante of BNCES, along with BNNCHS standouts Shane Fernandez and Rhoda Marie Tamares, each capturing gold medals in their respective events.
In the Paragames athletics competitions, Barotac Nuevo’s para-athletes delivered a strong showing. Aizha Coleen Buenavides of BNNCHS clinched gold medals in the running long jump and the 4×100-meter relay, while also earning a silver medal in the 100-meter dash.
Teammate Erica Silvestre matched the feat with a dominant performance, winning gold in shot put, running long jump, and the 4×100-meter relay, and adding a silver medal in the 200-meter event.
Barotac Nuevo Mayor BP Biron credited the athletes’ success to the strong support system behind them, including coaches, teachers, parents, and stakeholders who helped guide and inspire the delegation throughout the competition.
In recognition of their achievements, the local government unit of Barotac Nuevo is preparing incentives for the medalists.
The victories further cement Barotac Nuevo’s reputation as a regional sports powerhouse, particularly in football, long regarded as the town’s flagship discipline./PN
