The Batang Pinoy has yet to start, but the host cities of the qualifying legs have already felt the benefit of holding the Games on their turf.
Almost P15 million worth of sports equipment will be handed out by the Philippine Sports Commission to Davao del Norte, Iloilo and Ilagan, Isabela, for hosting the qualifiers this year.
On Feb. 2 to 9, Davao del Norte will hold the Mindanao leg of the Games for athletes 15 years old and below while the Visayas qualifier in Iloilo City will be on Feb. 23 to March 2.
Ilagan hosts the Luzon leg on March 16 to 23.
“With their cooperation, the PSC is also eager to help them produce homegrown talents by supporting their grassroots sports programs,” said PSC Chair Butch Ramirez.
Ramirez recently led the formal signing of the memorandum of agreement with Davao del Norte provincial sports and youth development head Giovanni Gulanes, Iloilo City sports coordinator Moises Salomon and Ilagan General Services Officer Ricky Laggui.
A total of 19 sports will be played with medalists of the three qualifiers advancing to the national finals next year either in Tagbilaran or Ormoc.