Mayor Greg Gasataya commended outstanding student-athletes and academic topnotchers during the 2025 Pasidungog Para sa Dalayawon nga mga Atleta kag Estudyante held at the Bacolod City Government Center on Friday, December 12.
More than 113 awardees were recognized, including medalists from the Batang Pinoy, Palarong Pambansa, and various international and prestigious sports competitions, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
The city also honored 19 board examination topnotchers for their exceptional academic achievements.
Joining Gasataya during the awarding ceremony were Vice Mayor Claudio Puentevella, Councilors Jason Villarosa, Thaddy Sayson, Bobby Rojas, Em Ang, and Homes Bais, as well as Executive Assistant Rhett Demonteverde.
The mayor also gave special recognition to three athletes who earned national distinctions, including honors from the Department of Education as Best Athlete of the Year and Palarong Pambansa Sports Idol awardees.
Gasataya highlighted the achievements of Rhose Vhianne Almendralejo, Alas Pilipinas U-19 outside hitter; Brianna Nikola Ang, middle blocker and team captain of the Bacolod Taytung High School Thunderbolts; and Mico Villaran, a record-breaking hurdler from Romanito P. Maravilla Sr. National High School.
Almendralejo was conferred the 2025 Best Athlete of the Year and Outstanding Athlete for Ball Games awards during the Gawad Pagkilala sa Larangan ng Isports (SIKHAY Awards) held at the Paradise Garden Hotel and Convention Center in Malay, Aklan on December 1.
Ang was recognized as a Palarong Pambansa Sports Idol.
“We congratulate them for their outstanding performances. They have become a source of pride and inspiration, especially for our young local athletes,” Gasataya said.
He also acknowledged the vital contribution of the Thunderbolts founder Boy Montalbo, crediting him for significantly advancing volleyball development in Bacolod City and the region.
Almendralejo played a crucial role in the Philippine team’s campaign at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, where the Alas Pilipinas Girls placed fourth overall. She, together with Ang, also helped lead the Bacolod Taytung High School Thunderbolts to a silver medal finish in their Palarong Pambansa run.*