GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Preparations for the upcoming Batang Pinoy 2025 are now underway as General Santos City gears up to host the national youth sports competition from October 25 to 31, 2025.
City Sports Division Chief Lady Margaret Manalo confirmed in an interview with Manila Standard that an ocular inspection of the city’s sports venues will commence soon.
“Mag-ocular inspection pa kami [We will conduct an ocular inspection],” said Manalo, emphasizing the city’s commitment to ensuring all venues meet the standards required for the multi-sport event.
The hosting rights were officially turned over to General Santos City during a ceremony held on June 1, attended by Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann.
Mayor Pacquiao expressed her enthusiasm for the city’s role as host, describing the event as a significant opportunity to highlight the city’s capabilities and support grassroots sports development.
“We are thrilled to welcome young athletes from across the country. This is not only a sporting event but a celebration of youth, talent, and unity,” she said.
Also present during the ceremony were City Administrator Shandee Llido Pestaño, Assistant City Administrator Melinda Betaizar, and Department of Education (DepEd) Representative Melanie Daan.
Batang Pinoy, a flagship program of the PSC, is one of the Philippines’ premier youth sporting events aimed at discovering and developing young athletic talent across the nation.
