FOR finishing 12th overall in the just-concluded Asian Youth Games 2025 in Bahrain with a total of 24 medals — seven gold, seven silver, and 10 bronze, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is seeking commendation for the 141-strong Philippine delegation for delivering the country’s biggest medal haul and best-ever performance in the continental sports event.
“This is a proud moment for Philippine sports. Our young athletes have proven that with discipline, dedication, and heart, they can stand tall among the best in Asia. Their victory in Bahrain is a shining testament to the strength of our youth and the bright future of Philippine sports,” Estrada said as he filed Senate Resolution No. 167.
The country’s delegation competed in 18 sports disciplines — including volleyball, athletics, boxing, swimming, taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, weightlifting, and teqball— finishing second-best in Southeast Asia, next only to Thailand.
The Asian Youth Games (AYG) is a quadrennial multi-sport event organized by the Olympic Council of Asia for athletes aged 14 to 17, recognized as the second-largest continental competition after the Asian Games. This year’s edition gathered over 8,000 athletes and officials from 45 nations competing across 26 sports disciplines.
Estrada noted that the athletes’ record-breaking achievement surpassed previous Philippine performances in the 2013 AYG in Nanjing, China; and the 2009 inaugural games in Singapore, where the country won five and two medals, respectively.
Among the country’s gold medalists were Kram Airam Carpio (Girls’ 51–55 kg, Pencak Silat), Pi Durden Wangkay (Boys’ 200-meter event, Athletics), Charlie Ratcliff (Girls’ 45-kg, Modern Mixed Martial Arts), Zeth Gabriel Bueno (Boys’ Wai Kru 14–15), Lyre Anie Ngina (Girls’ Wai Kru 14–15), Jan Brix Ramiscal and Tyron Jamborillo (Mixed Team Mai Muay), and Isabella Joseline Butler (Girls’ 63-kg, Jiu-Jitsu).
Silver medalists include Naomi Cesar (Girls’ 800-meter event, Athletics), Travis Ratcliff (Boys’ 60-kg Traditional Mixed Martial Arts), Jan Brix Ramiscal (Boys’ Wai Kru 16–17), Jasmine Dagame (Girls’ Wai Kru 16–17), Jamesray Ajido (Boys’ 100-meter butterfly, Swimming), Kristen Ambriel Aguila (Girls’ Individual Recognized Poomsae, Taekwondo), and Jhodie Peralta (Girls’ 53-kg Snatch, Weightlifting).
Bronze medalists were: Alexander Tagure Jr. (Boys’ 50-kg Modern Mixed Martial Arts); Iyeshia Blair Bituin (Girls’ 51-kg Combat Discipline 16–17); Aeden Roffer Cereño (Boys’ Individual Freestyle Poomsae, Taekwondo); Crystal Cariño and Nicole Tabucol (Girls’ Doubles, Teqball); Jay-r Colonia (Boys’ 56-kg Clean & Jerk, Weightlifting); Alexsandra Ann Diaz (Girls’ 48-kg Clean & Jerk, Weightlifting); Princess Jay Ann Diaz (Girls’ 44-kg Clean & Jerk, Weightlifting); Jhodie Peralta (Girls’ 53-kg Clean & Jerk, Weightlifting); Leo Mhar Lobrido (Boys’ 46-kg, Boxing); and Mara-Alexandria Sarinas (Girls’ 57-kg, Jiu-Jitsu).
“These young champions represent the next generation of Filipino Olympians and sports heroes,” Estrada said. “Their success is proof that investing in youth sports and grassroots development yields world-class results.”
He likewise acknowledged the coaches, trainers, medical staff, and sports officials whose guidance and support helped propel the athletes to victory.
Estrada underscored that the athletes’ triumph “heralds a bright future for Philippine sports,” as he called on both the public and private sectors to continue supporting youth development programs and sports excellence initiatives.
“Their story is one of hope, resilience, and national pride — a reminder that the Filipino spirit, even at a young age, is truly world-class,” Estrada added.