From 21 medals in the “2023 Batang Pinoy,” athletes from Mandaue City snared 43 medals this time in the “2024 Batang Pinoy National Games” held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The young medalists made a courtesy call on Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede together with officials of the Mandaue Sports Commission to present their impressive medal haul in 2024.

At least 68 athletes comprise the delegates to the national games. 

The young winners donned their medals during the courtesy call.

Chess champions, Maica Cadenas and Creiah Tuñacao, chipped in the most number of medals.

Cadenas and Tuñacao are both 12 years old and in Grade 7. 

Cadenas clinched six golds of a total of 11 medals, while Tuñacao bagged eight medals.

Cadenas said bringing honor to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mandaue City motivated her to snag more golds. 

“Dapat modaog kay para naa ta ma-bring honor sa LGU Mandaue o sa tanan,” Cadenas said.

Meanwhile, Tuñacao said the matches were tough because she had to face the best minds all over the country. 

“Lisod kaayo kay ang gikontrahan [gikontra] kay whole Philippines, unya di sab siya sayon kay Batang Pinoy, unya national,” Tuñacao said.

Mayor Bercede vowed further support from the LGU for the development of sports at the barangay-level.

Cebuana seasoned athlete and the Philippines' first Olympic marathoner, Mary Joy Tabal-Jimenez, who is now a sports development officer at the Mandaue City Sports Commission, said that the more participants to national games, the more gold medals there are to bring home. 

“How much more kung mas dakodako o mas daghan pa tag delegation athletes mapadala puhon mas daghan gyud ang madala sab nato nga medals. Worth it gyud ang mga gipangandaman niining mga kabataan namo," Tabal-Jimenez said.