GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao and Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz lit the cauldron at the Acharon Sports Complex on Saturday to signal the formal opening of the Batang Pinoy 2025.
Two of Philippine sports’ superstars were on hand to bring inspiration to the 18,927 athletes aged 17 years old and below from 188 local government units (LGU). Also lighting the flame was the city’s latest taekwondo product Elisha Baquial.
In his speech during the colorful opening rites, Pacquiao welcomed the delegates in his hometown while giving his full support to the Philippine Sports Commission’s grassroots program including the Batang Pinoy.
Manny's message
“Bilang isang atleta at dating mambabatas, I give my full support to the grassroots sports development program,” said Pacquiao.
“Dito nagsisimula ang mga kabataang tinuturuan ng disiplina, respeto, at malasakit sa kapwa. Sports is more than winning medals. It is about building character, teamwork, and leadership. It is about learning humility and victory, and courage in defeat," he continued.
“Mga Batang Pinoy, I challenge you, train harder, play smarter, compete stronger, respect your coaches and your opponents, and in every victory or defeat, always honor God. When you play with integrity, you honor your city or province."
Diaz is also glad to be in the company of Pacquiao during the Batang Pinoy opening rites.
“Parehas kaming nagbibigay ng inspirason sa kabataan kung saan ako nagsimula, sa Batang Pinoy,” said Diaz, who is also here for the competition as she has weightlifters who have trained in their academy and are under the Rizal province wing.
Also present during the opening ceremony are Interior and Local Government secretary Jonvic Remulla, General Santos City mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao, and Baguio City mayor Benjamin Magalong, whose LGU is the second placer behind Pasig City in last year's competition in Puerto Princesa.
PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio said he expects the young athletes from this year’s Batang Pinoy to become the future of Philippine sports.
“Dapat sa 2028 Olympics sa LA, sa 2032 Olympics sa Brisbane, ang susunod na Olympian, mangagaling sa Batang Pinoy,” said Gregorio.
Medals will be at stake in athletics and swimming at the Acharon Sports Complex, as well as judo, and weightlifting in other venues in Day One of the six-day competition.
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