The City Council of Talisay in the Province of Cebu has recognized the achievements of two Talisaynon student-athletes who clinched a gold and a silver medal, respectively, in the 64^th Palarong Pambansa hosted by Cebu City in July 2024.

AJ Basalo, 16 years old, is a gold medalist in boxing, in the Bantamweight Junior Boys category. He started learning the sport in 2020 during the lockdown imposed as a government response to the Covid-19 pandduemic.

It was his father, then an amateur boxer, who encouraged him to take up boxing.

Basalo said that the sport helps him develop further his discipline, and connect him to his dreams.

The other student-athlete who shares in the honor is 17-year-old Justine Trazo, silver medalist in boxing.

In a council session on July 23, 2024, a resolution was passed on the handing out of a plaque of commendation to Basalo and Trazo.

According to Councilor Rodi Cabigas, chairman of the Committee on Sports, the resolution requested from Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas the handing out of cash incentives to the two medalists worth P20,000 for Basalo, and P15,000 for Trazo. 

"Naganahan ko sa boxing kay para pud sa akong self-defense," Basalo said. 

As for Trazo, he said that while Basalo takes inspiration from his father, he has his uncle to guide him.

"Naa koy uyoan nga boxer pud," Trazo said.