‘Marami pa rin kabataang involved sa droga… mas maganda mag training kaysa magbisyo… para din umangat ang sport natin dito’ - Coach Dalwidao during conduct of Fight Kalinga Season 4

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Emphasizing the role of sports in steering youth away from illegal drugs, Kalinga Fist Boxing Gym (KFBG) head coach and owner Jeofrey Dalwidao highlighted the significance of the recently concluded Fight Kalinga Season 4 (FKS4) on April 12 at the KFBG in Sagpat, Bulanao—promoting discipline and helping elevate the local combat sports scene.

Dalwidao said in an interview that beyond competition, the event serves as a platform to engage the youth in productive activities, encouraging them to pursue sports instead of harmful vices while strengthening the boxing and kickboxing community in the province.

“It is part of the ‘Laban Kontra Droga’ campaign. This is an invitational tournament for boxing and kickboxing. We know that many young people are still involved in drugs, so it is better to have events like this where they can focus on training instead of vices. Another reason is to help elevate our sport here in Tabuk and Kalinga,” he said.

FKS4 is a combative sports tournament organized by KFBG and is typically held twice a year, although some editions are conducted annually due to limited sponsorship and budget constraints. For this season, Dalwidao said nearly 140 iKalinga athletes competed against participants from nearby provinces.

Participating Kalinga teams included Tanudan Combative, Bangad Tinglayan Combative, Pinukpuk Combative, Rizal Boxing Team, Uma Lubuagan Combative, Pasil Combative, Wonderkick Gym, Superfoot Gym, Team Tribu Banwar, and Marami Gym Dagupan.

Teams from other provinces and cities also joined, including Nueva Ecija, Ifugao, Ilagan City, Baguio City, Tuguegarao City, Abra, Apayao, Isabela, and Cagayan.

Meanwhile, KFBG and Uma Lubuagan Combative, under Coaches Jeofrey and Frederick Dalwidao, dominated the tournament, securing a total of 19 gold medals and six silver medals.

With its continued staging, Fight Kalinga is expected to further develop grassroots talent while reinforcing the role of sports as a positive force in youth development in the province.