Kalinga people show overwhelming support to Alexander Tagure’s bid in World Youth MMA

Alexander Tagure Jr. and his coach Erwin Tagure did not expect to see all walks of life showing up in the ‘Fun Run for the Dreamer’ on Saturday, but they did.

Undefeated and bemedaled Alexander was selected to represent the Philippines in the IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) Youth World MMA Championships set in Abu Dhabi on July 20 – 27, 2025. However, the financial constraints were holding him back from participating in the prestigious event for young fighters across the globe.

To raise funds that would cover Alexander’s plane tickets, visa processing, and accommodation in the competition, Team Tribu Banwar held a 5-kilometer fun run on June 28.

Coach Erwin, Alexander’s uncle and guardian, who has been training him for combative sports alongside his brother Alester, admitted to GURU Press Cordillera that they were only expecting Alexander’s fellow athletes to attend the event. But they were surprised when over 200 iKalingas, young and older, showed up and registered.

“Sobra nga overwhelming ngamin from all walks of life, different members iti community ket inmay da iman nga ngited iti suporta ditoy promising athlete tayo. Haan ko inexpect nga adda ka dita nga elementary nga 9 years old, adda ka dita nga agtra-trabaho iti hospital,” Erwin admitted.

With the success of the event, the Tribu Banwar coach thanked the iKalingas for rallying behind their fellow iKalinga, showing the province and the country that the ‘Binnadang’ spirit is still very much alive.   

“Agyaman kami unay. Nu anya man iti gasat ni Alexander, kaasi na nga matuloy or nu anya man resulta iti ay-ayam na, haan mi liplipatan iti inted nga gundaway iti community tayo. It only shows nga iti Kalinga unity ket haan kumupkupas, iti Kalinga Binnadang ket talaga nga sibibiyag pay lang,” he expressed.

Thriving even after losing a father

Alexander has brought glory to the province in every fight he has participated in, taking home with him a number of gold medals in regional and national games. But what lies behind these accolades is a 16-year-old who lost a father in 2021.

As shared by Coach Erwin, his brother succumbed to COVID-19 pneumonia, leaving behind his 13 children. To help his nephews and nieces, especially since their mother’s wage from housekeeping in Isabela could not support them all, he took 4 of the 13 under his care.

Two of these four who are under Erwin’s guardianship are Alexander and Alester, whom he has been training in combative sports. He relayed this is what he can only give his nephews as their inheritance. The other two who are both girls are focused on their studies – one of them is in high school while the other is incoming first year college.

How to help Alexander

If you haven’t attended the fun run but you want to help the 16-year-old dreamer, you may still send any amount to Coach Erwin Tagure’s GCash, 09691837810. The coach assures that every amount will be rightfully accounted and will be used for Alexander’s journey in his international MMA fight.