CITY OF MALOLOS – In a remarkable display of sportsmanship and dominance in their field, Bulakenyo athletes ended their Batang Pinoy 2024 campaign on a high note by bringing home a total of nine medals—five golds, three silvers, and one bronze—placing Bulacan in 55th spot out of 142 participating provinces across the country last November 21-29, 2024 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Leading the pack with two medals in his possession, Gerald J. Esquivel clinched the gold medal in 50m butterfly and silver in 50m freestyle swimming; while Alexie Jane Conte claimed the gold in weightlifting, Rizzalyn A. Santos emerged as champion in chess individual, and Aretha Paulenco along with Heaven Callejo won gold in taekwondo.
Other medalists include the tandem of Sean Aldryl Tolentino and Yukihiro Funayama in chess team (silver), Kiel Vincent E. Aldaba in karate (silver), and Tracy Brigino with her partner Aaliyah Arnelle Go in badminton girls’ doubles (bronze).
Meanwhile, Benjamin Santos Jr., the deputy head of the Bulacan delegation, expressed his satisfaction in the province’s performance and suggested that the players need to be exposed to more sporting events.
“Satisfied naman tayo dahil kaunti lang ang ating pinadala, kumbaga quality naman. Siguro ay dapat marami pa tayong tournaments na masalihan para sa exposure ng mga bata,” he said.
Santos also noted the events that the province did not get any medal and should improve on the next games such as archery, gymnastics, arnis, athletics, cycling, and table tennis.
On the other hand, the Provincial Government of Bulacan, through the Provincial Youth and Sports Development Office, gave recognition to the winning athletes during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here.
Governor Daniel R. Fernando congratulated the athletes and promised them the PGB’s full support as they banner the future of sports in Bulacan.
“Binabati ko kayong mga atletang Bulakenyo, higit sa mga medalyang nakamit ninyo ay ang dangal na binitbit ninyo sa paglahok sa kumpetisyong ito dala ang pangalan ng ating dakilang lalawigan. Kaya asahan ninyo ang patuloy na suporta ng ating Pamahalaang Panlalawigan sa mga susunod pa ninyong paglahok at patuloy na pagpapalakas,” Fernando said.
