Bacolod City earned its first gold medal in the ongoing Batang Pinoy 2025 National Championships, courtesy of young sprinter Psalm Pampag, who ruled the 200-meter dash (16-under girls) event at the Antonio Acharon Sports Complex in Calumpang, General Santos City Oct. 27.
Pampag, a Grade 8 student from Romanito P. Maravilla National High School, outpaced her competitors to deliver Bacolod’s maiden gold in this year’s national youth games.
Pampag trains under the guidance of coaches Miguel Arca and Jerry Belibestre of RPMNHS, a school known for producing some of Bacolod’s most promising young athletes.
Belibestre expressed pride and joy over Pampag’s performance, praising her heart, hard work, and determination that led to the city’s first top-podium finish.
“We are beyond proud of Psalm. She gave everything, her heart, effort, and pure determination to win this gold for Bacolod,” Belibestre said in a city press release.
Pampag is set to compete again for the 100m sprint today. Her victory adds momentum to Bacolod’s campaign in the national tournament, as the city’s delegation continues to chase more medals across athletics and other sporting events in the coming days.
Earlier, swimmer Maxene Hayley Uy secured three silver medals for Bacolod in the 200m individual medley, 50m backstroke, and 200m backstroke events.
Another silver medal was bagged by Geri Kiara Javier in rhythmic gymnastics (hoop), while thrower Kane Benedict Laureano added another silver for Bacolod in the Shot put Boys Under-18 category.
Adding to Bacolod’s initial medal tally was the Girls Cadet Pomsae Team, composed of Savanna Saril, Samantha Arcigal, and Jessica Tinasas, who brought home the bronze medal for the city.
The Batang Pinoy serves as a grassroots development program of the Philippine Sports Commission, designed to discover and nurture young athletic talents across the country. ||
