CALOOCAN City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan personally honored and awarded cash incentives to young athletes from Caloocan City who represented the Philippines and won medals in the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

In a social media post, Malapitan praised the galing at husay of the Batang Kankaloo athletes, saying their achievements prove that Caloocan’s youth can compete with the best in the region through talent, discipline, and determination.

Among those recognized were bronze medalists Angelo Iñigo A. Ventus, who competed in Extreme Jetski Mixed Runabout Limited; Jahn Cyruz P. Asuncion and Ethelmae Jewel Suguitan in Short Track Speed Skating; Aljen A. Aynaga in Taekwondo; and Katrina M. Garcia, a member of the Philippine Women’s Netball Team.

Also commended were national team members Miel Joaquin Ugaban and Joaquin Federico Mirasol, who competed in Water Polo, along with other Caloocan athletes who took part in the regional sporting event.

Malapitan said the city government will continue to support programs that provide opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and pursue excellence in sports.

“These athletes are living proof that Batang Kankaloo can stand toe-to-toe with the world through hard work and perseverance,” Malapitan said, assuring sustained support for sports development under his administration.

The recognition forms part of the city’s ongoing efforts to encourage youth participation in athletics and promote sports as a pathway to discipline, character-building, and national pride.