Mayor Greg Gasataya commended outstanding student-athletes and academic topnotchers during the 2025 Pasidungog para sa Dalayawon nga mga Atleta kag Estudyante, held at the Bacolod Government Center Dec. 12.
More than 113 awardees were recognized, including medalists from Batang Pinoy, the Palarong Pambansa, and various international and prestigious sports competitions. The city also honored 19 board examination topnotchers for their exceptional academic achievements.
Gasataya also especially recognized three athletes, who earned national distinctions, including honors from the Department of Education as Best Athlete of the Year, and Palarong Pambansa Sports Idol awardees.
He said the achievements of Rhose Vhianne Almendralejo, Alas Pilipinas U-19 outside hitter; Brianna Nikola Ang, middle blocker and team captain of the Bacolod Taytung High School Thunderbolts; and Mico Villaran, a record-breaking hurdler from Romanito P. Maravilla Sr. National High School, continue to inspire the city’s youth.
Almendralejo was conferred the 2025 Best Athlete of the Year and Outstanding Athlete for Ball Games during the Gawad Pagkilala sa Larangan ng Isports Awards in Malay, Aklan Dec. 1.
Ang was recognized as a Palarong Pambansa Sports Idol.
“We congratulate them for their outstanding performances. They have become a source of pride and inspiration, especially for our young local athletes,” Gasataya stressed in a city press release.
He also acknowledged the vital contribution of Thunderbolts founder Boy Montalbo, crediting him for significantly advancing volleyball development in Bacolod and the region.
Almendralejo played a crucial role in the Philippine team’s campaign at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, where the Alas Pilipinas Girls placed fourth overall. She, together with Ang, also helped lead the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts to a silver medal finish in their Palarong Pambansa run.
Also in attendance at the awarding ceremony were Vice Mayor Claudio Puentevella, councilors Jason Villarosa, Thaddy Sayson, Bobby Rojas, Em Ang, and Homes Bais, as well as executive assistant Atty. Rhett Demonteverde, among others. ||
