MANILA – It's all systems go for the 2025 Batang Pinoy Games happening this month, despite host General Santos City feeling the magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Davao Oriental last Friday.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick "Pato" Gregorio said he was in Davao City when the quake jolted the Davao region.
"Nandoon ako nung lumindol kahapon because we visited UP Mindanao, hindi pa tapos yung sports stadium doon," he said.
"It is not just a stadium for the University of the Philippines. It is the stadium for the Mindanaoans. It is the stadium for our regional training centers," Gregorio shared.
The PSC chief later went to General Santos City to inspect the preparations for the 2025 Batang Pinoy Games.
"Pumunta ako sa GenSan para iinspect yung Batang Pinoy. Because alam naman natin from security, opening ceremonies, games itself, in-inspect na natin and then so far so good," Gregorio said.
"It will be very big. 21,000 athletes. You can just imagine pag kasama mga magulang, maybe there will be 60,000 guests in GenSan. So we need all the support and we need to focus on everything including my security arrangements natin," he explained.
Gregorio said they are coordinating with the local government and other relevant agencies like the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard for safety and security in the biggest event for young athletes.
"Wala namang damage so, so far, so good," he replied when asked about possible damage to venues for the Batang Pinoy Games.
"Yes, they are safe... So all systems go tayo sa opening ng Batang Pinoy sa October 25," Gregorio said.
Around 15,000 young athletes are expected to compete in 27 sports in this year's edition of the prestigious event.
The 2025 Batang Pinoy Games will be held from October 25 to 31.
15,000 athletes expected to compete in 2025 Batang Pinoy in GenSan