Puerto Princesa gets passing mark for hosting Batang Pinoy

This year’s Batang Pinoy National Finals held in Puerto Princesa City was “generally successful”, according to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Epifanio Cordero Jr. of the PSC National Secretariat said that the multi-sports event has been successful despite some unexpected cases, including the food poisoning involving nine officials from Zamboanga City, an athlete with dengue, and the complaint on the tricycle fare.

With regard to the sports facilities in the city, he said only a minimal improvement is needed.

“Kahit may mga hindi inaasahan na mga pangyayari. Alam naman natin ‘yon at napansin din natin na may mga facilities lang na hindi pa gaanong nadevelop. Siguro pagdating ng future ay kaya na rin ng Puerto Princesa City ayusin lahat. So far ay maganda ang naging resulta. Overall assessment ng PSC ay naging successful ang pagdaraos ng Batang Pinoy Finals at ang pagtanggap ng host city,” he said.

Cordero also said that they are hoping to produce more athletes that will compete in the national competition.

He also cited Hidilyn Diaz, who won her first weightlifting competition on Batang Pinoy 2002.

He added that they are looking forward that PPC will also hold a national sports competition.

“We are looking forward that Puerto Princesa City will be the host again of the future Batang Pinoy events. This is the second time na naghost ang PPC, dito rin sa Palawan nadiscover si Hidilyn Diaz. Probably marami pa tayong madidiscover na bagong athletes,” Cordero said.

Meanwhile, he said that there are many provinces and cities that expressed interest in holding Batang Pinoy 2020.