IN PHOTO: Young athletes gather at General Santos City as Batang Pinoy 2025 commences.
General Santos City, Philippines – October 27, 2025 – As nearly 19,000 young athletes from across the country gather for the Batang Pinoy 2025 National Championships, MILO® Philippines and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) continue to shape the champions of tomorrow – not just through competition, but through mentorship, life skills, and community pride.
Running from October 25 to 31, 2025, Batang Pinoy brings together participants aged 17 and under—including out-of-school youth—from 188 local government units competing across 27 sports disciplines. This year’s edition marks one of the largest and most inclusive stagings in the event’s history, underscoring the PSC’s renewed drive to make sports accessible to every Filipino child.
Adding to the excitement, Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, boxing Champion Manny Pacquiao, and General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao graced the opening ceremonies, rallying the young athletes to pursue excellence and perseverance both on and off the court. Their presence served as a powerful reminder that champions are made through hard work, discipline, and unwavering belief—values at the heart of Batang Pinoy’s mission.
Continuing a Legacy of Grassroots Development
For decades, the PSC and MILO® have worked hand in hand in advancing sports programs at the grassroots level — from the MILO® Sports Clinics and National MILO® Marathon, to the MILO® Home Court and the Batang Pinoy program. Together, they continue to provide platforms where young athletes from all backgrounds can develop their skills, life values, and proudly represent their communities.
Through this partnership, both institutions aim to sustain an inclusive and accessible sports ecosystem that encourages participation from youth across the country, regardless of background or ability.
United in Building the Next Generation of Champions
Through their longstanding partnership, PSC and MILO® continue to open opportunities for Filipino children to engage in sports, learn discipline and teamwork, and gain valuable experiences that go beyond competition.
PSC Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio highlighted the importance of unity among government agencies and partners in nurturing the next generation of Filipino athletes. “We need to be partners, we need to be together. ‘Yung development ng bata sa sports and education hindi po pwedeng magkahiwalay ‘yan,” said Chairman Gregorio.
A Shared Vision for the Future of Philippine Sports
Highlighting the spirit of Batang Pinoy, boxing Champion Manny Pacquiao shared his message to the young athletes: “Mga Batang Pinoy, I challenge you: train harder, play smarter, compete stronger, respect your coaches and your opponents, and in every defeat or victory, always honor God.”
“MILO® has always believed that sports is a great teacher where our young athletes can learn grit, discipline, and teamwork,” said Carlo Sampan, Head of MILO® Sports and Assistant Vice President of MILO® Philippines. “Our partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission reflects a shared vision to help every Filipino child achieve their dreams through their Champion journey.”
Throughout the competition, PSC and MILO® continue to collaborate on-ground to bring engaging experiences to young athletes and their families — from nutrition and wellness education to activities that celebrate grit, discipline, and teamwork, and the Champion energy that defines Filipino youth.
