The country’s top young athletes were recognized at the 5th Siklab Youth Sports Awards held Saturday at the Diamond Hotel Manila.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio highlighted the importance of celebrating youth excellence in sports.
“I think we all believe and we all agree that sports is really a great equalizer across social status and across ages. That is why we know there is power in the grassroots development,” Gregorio said.
“Every awardee here is a living proof of opportunities that sports can create for children of every age, gender, language, religion, and culture across the nation,” he added.
Gregorio vowed continued PSC support for grassroots programs, calling the recognition “the best gift we can give to our national and youth athletes.”
Among those honored were gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo, a five-time Siklab awardee, and weightlifters Albert Ian Delos Santos, Jay-R Colonia, Alexandra Ann Diaz, Althea Bacaro, and Jhodie Peralta, who won 10 gold, three silver, and three bronze medals at the 2025 World Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Peru.
Other awardees included golfer Rianne Malixi, taekwondo jin Dean Darnet Venerable, triathlete Kira Ellis, tennis player Tenny Madis, volleyball standout Sam Cantada, and para athlete Alyana Nuñez, who earned triple gold in the 2024 Philippine National Para Games and 2025 Palarong Pambansa.
Thirteen-year-old swimmer Sophia Rose Garra, who bagged seven gold medals at the Palarong Pambansa, was among the youngest recognized.
“Sobrang thankful and grateful po talaga na nakatanggap po ako ng award na ganito since first time ko nakatanggap ng ganito. Sobrang saya kasi ngayon lang ako nakatanggap ng ganito,” Garra said.
She shared that her goal is to break more records and one day reach the Olympics.
Jiu-jitsu prodigy Aleia Aielle Aguilar received her third straight Siklab Super Kids Award after her gold win at the Pan Kids IBJJF Tournament in July.
“I feel very happy and proud to get this award. I just stay strong [to win],” said the eight-year-old champion.
Her father, Alvin Aguilar, president of the Wrestling Association of the Philippines, added:
“It’s very important the sun shines in their faces so they can get the recognition they deserved. It won’t just be the older athletes, but also the younger athletes because they train just as hard, if not harder.”
Karateka Raphael Herrera was also honored after earning bronze at the 2nd Asian Karate Youth Open in China.
“[I’m] happy because all of the training and effort I put in [was recognized]. It’s hard because it takes a lot of months to prepare,” he said.
Special citations were given to Carlos Yulo as Sports Idol of the Year, Cynthia Carreon for Lifetime Achievement, and Christian Gonzalez as Godfather of the Year.
A total of 72 young athletes were honored by the POC-PSC-PPC Media Group at this year’s Siklab Youth Sports Awards.