Manila: Two records were broken at the start of the Batang Pinoy National Championships swimming competition Sunday at Antonio Acharon Sports Complex here. Hometown bet Christian Isaiah Lagnason topped the boys’ 12-13 200-meter Individual Medley (IM) in 2 minutes and 19.63 seconds to erase the 2:22.02 set by Pasig City’s Arvin Naeem Taguinota II in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan last year.
According to Philippines News Agency, Rizal’s Von Andrei Pi±on (2:22.83) placed second and Pasay City’s Ramon Calix Ching (2:24.65) was third. Laguna’s Ashton Clyde Jose also delivered a record-breaking performance in the boys’ 16-17 200m IM with a time of 2:15.12. He improved on the 2:15.58 time of La Union’s Anton Paulo Dominick Della in 2024. Della finished second this year, clocking 2:16.97, while Davao City’s Jian Paul Baulos (2:18.92) was third.
“What a way to kick off the games – starting strong, swimming stronger! Congratulations, Ashton and our head coach, Coach Mae! You’ve made Santa Rosa proud!” posted the Santa Rosa City Sports Development Office on Facebook. Meanwhile, Manila’s Aishel Cid Evangelista ruled the boys’ 14-15 category with a time of 2:17.31. Batangas bet Rio Stephen Coliyat (2:20.69) got the silver medal while Dumaguete City’s Bernet Antonio Gonzaga (2:25.10) took the bronze.
In the girls’ division, Manila’s Patricia Mae Santor clocked 2:29.97 to prevail over Bacolod City’s Maxene Hayley Uy (2:32.53) and Manila’s Kristine Jane Uy (2:34.80) in the 16-17 200m IM. Quezon City’s Liv Abigail Florendo topped the 14-15 category, clocking 2:35.59 to beat Manila’s Eliana Isabel Rodriguez (2:36.08) and Davao City’s Paulette Xavier Apilado (2:36.13).
The top three finishers in the 12-13 category were Malabon City’s Sophia Rose Garra (2:32.14), Davao del Norte’s Czarina Cavite (2:42.28) and Pasig City’s Adrienne Renee Tacuboy (2:42.89). Pasig City is eyeing a second consecutive title after dominating last year’s edition with 105 gold, 64 silver, and 116 bronze medals.
Organized by the Philippine Sports Commission, the tournament for players aged 12 to 17 years has a PHP15-million prize pool, with PHP5 million for the overall champion, PHP4 million for second, PHP3 million for third, PHP2 million for fourth and PHP1 million for fifth place.
