Herson S. Bangay, a Grade 9 – Purpose student from the University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC) High School Department, achieved remarkable success at the Batang Pinoy 2025 Chess Tournament held in General Santos City from October 25 to 31, 2025, bringing pride to his school and community. Bangay secured two Silver medals in the Standard and Rapid 960 categories and a Bronze medal in the Blitz 960 event, demonstrating his skill, focus, and dedication to the game.
Batang Pinoy, established through Presidential Executive Order No. 44 signed by then-President Joseph Ejercito Estrada on December 2, 1998, is an annual national youth sports program for athletes aged 15 and below. The tournament serves as a baseline sports initiative of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and supports the national government’s agenda to provide inclusive sporting opportunities. The program is designed to welcome out-of-school youth and athletes from marginalized sectors, promoting grassroots sports development, values formation, and the cultivation of nationalism, discipline, respect, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. The inaugural Batang Pinoy tournament took place in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, in 1999.
Bangay’s achievement underscores the effectiveness of UBLC’s holistic approach to student development, which combines academic excellence with extracurricular and athletic pursuits. His performance in the Standard, Rapid, and Blitz 960 formats highlights his personal talent and the school’s commitment to nurturing young athletes capable of competing at the national level.
By excelling in a prestigious national competition such as Batang Pinoy, Bangay sets a standard of excellence for his peers and inspires younger students to pursue their passions in sports while upholding the values promoted by the program. His success also reflects the University of Batangas Lipa City’s ongoing dedication to supporting youth development, skill-building, and the promotion of sportsmanship. Moreover, achievements like Bangay’s align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), and Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) emphasizing the university’s commitment to fostering inclusive, empowering, and globally responsive learning environments for young learners.