Team Baguio defends Batang Pinoy championship title

September 8, 2019 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY — It was mission accomplished for team Baguio as it retained the overall title and the PHP3-million windfall in the Batang Pinoy National Finals that ended over the weekend.
Baguio closed the sporting meet with a 14-gold medal haul during Friday’s games in five sports events, bringing its total haul to 61 gold, 48 silver and 63 bronze medals and successfully defended the title it won last year.
Though the number of gold medal haul is fewer compared to last year, Baguio remains the overall champion, with delegation head and city sports coordinator Gaudencio Gonzales praising the young athletes for a job well done.
Last year, Baguio’s medal haul was 83-81-107, way ahead of its closest contender Cebu City which had 36-40-44. “We are coming home with PHP3 million as our prize money although it will come much later because we have yet to process some papers,” Gonzales posted on his Facebook wall.
Last Friday, wrestling redeemed itself as they won four gold medals to bring the team’s gold total to five aside from the six silver and six bronze medals in the goodie bag.
Official results posted by the Philippine Sports Commission show Cebu at second place with (34-34-29); Davao (31-24-37); Laguna (27-24-18); and Quezon City 25-25-23 medal hauls. Laguna defeated Baguio in the Luzon regional leg earlier this year as the highlanders gained a semblance of revenge when the combat sports athletes struck gold and won 52 of the 61 gold medals earned in the games for athletes 15 years old and younger.
Wushu had the biggest contribution with14 gold after the two won by Sanda also on Thursday for a 14-7-4 medal production. The Baguio wushu team is also the team champion. Muay thai wrapped up early with a 10-4-3 haul. Judo is the second-best performing Baguio sport this year with a 10-5-6 haul. Taekwondo gave an 8-8-9 total.
The pencak silat squad wound up with a surprising 3-0-3 output. Arnis contributed a 1-5-9 medal haul while boxing also delivered gold aside from two silver and two bronze medals. Archery is the most productive non-combat event with an 8-8-9 stash.
Gonzales and some of the delegates joined the closing ceremony even as many tried to see the wonders the province had to offer, including the underground river.
“They deserve a big break and go see the wonders the province could offer,” Gonzales said. Acting Mayor Faustino Olowan on Monday said the city is prepared to honor the athletes who have once again given honor to Baguio.
He said athletes representing the city in recognized national competitions are entitled to a cash incentive based on an ordinance.
Olowan is temporarily taking the place of Mayor Benjamin Magalong who is on official business in China, along with other city officials.
City Administrator Bonifacio dela Peña said the young athletes will be honored during the flag raising ceremonies on September 9.
 
Pigeon M. Lobien/PNA