Tabuk City cyclists bag FIVE medals in Batang Pinoy 2025 National Championships

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Tabuk City cyclists made a strong showing at the Batang Pinoy (BP) 2025 National Championships held from October 25 to 31, 2025, in General Santos City, clinching a total of five gold medals and showcasing the city’s rising young athletes on the national stage.

As of 10 a.m. on November 3, according to the BP partial and unofficial medal tally, the City of Tabuk has already won 15 medals—6 gold, 3 silver, and 6 bronze—placing the city at 36th among the 159 LGUs participating in the competition.

The five gold medals were earned by Nathaniel Dalanao Jr., who bagged two golds in the 12–13 Mountain Bike XCO and XCE events; Briell Ballog, who claimed two golds in the 14–15 category for the same events; and Revel Bancilo, who took one gold in the 12–13 MTB XCO on Day 3. The sixth medalist is yet to be confirmed by the Tabuk cycling team.

Trials Behind the Gold

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Tabuk Kalinga Cycling Team President and Co-founder Lloyd Lacwasan shared that the team faced several challenges, including mechanical issues, but remained determined to perform their best.

“During the race, we asked ourselves: kulang pa ba o sapat na ang ensayo? Makakapodium ba kami? May maiiuuwi ba kami? Dahil dito lang po kami makakabawi sa mga naniniwala sa amin. Ito pa po, ‘yung biglaang magkakaroon ng mechanical problem ‘yung bike,” he shared.

Lacwasan said the team has learned from these experiences and plans to prepare better for future competitions through improved training, hoping to secure more funding and new bikes.

He also added that they intend to expand their lineup to include both road and mountain bike categories for boys and girls, aiming for a complete roster in the next events.

Message to the Team and the Public

When asked how the team felt about bringing home gold medals for the city and the province, Lacwasan expressed pride and gratitude for giving recognition to the people of Tabuk, Kalinga.

He congratulated the winners, encouraged them to carry on their legacy, and reminded all athletes to uphold discipline, respect, and thoughtfulness both in sports and in daily life.

“Sa mga nanalo po, big congrats po. Kayo ang nagbandera ng pride at identity ng mga taga-Kalinga. Pag nasa sports po ang mga bata, dapat matutunan din nila ang voluntariness and thoughtfulness, especially po sa gawaing bahay, kasi sakop pa rin ito ng discipline bilang athlete. Sa publiko, maraming salamat po sa suporta—kung wala po kayo, wala rin kami,” he said.