Two PONY Softball World Series championships came home to Sagay City as hundreds of students, teachers, government officials, parents, and supporters welcomed the Abanse Negrense–Sagay City 12U and 14U girls softball teams on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
The champions were welcomed with a citywide caravan followed by a recognition program at Sagay National High School (SNHS), where hundreds of students cheered for the young athletes who returned from their championship campaigns in McAllen, Texas, and Hemet, California.
The homecoming celebrated Sagay’s rare double international victory: the 14U team won the PONY International Softball World Series in McAllen, Texas, while the 12U team captured the PONY West Zone Girls Softball World Series in Hemet, California.
PONY Baseball and Softball officially scheduled the McAllen tournament from July 15 to 19 and the Hemet World Series from July 28 to Aug. 2.
The 14U squad defeated Mexico’s RXII Kino Team, 4-2, for the championship after battling through 11 games against an international field, while the McAllen competition gathered 33 teams from nine countries.
Less than two weeks later, the 12U team completed an unbeaten run in California, defeating Red Lands, USA, 11-2, in the championship game and giving Sagay its second world softball crown in just 13 days.
Among the athletes welcomed home were 14 junior high school students from Sagay National High School and five learners from Jose B. Puey Sr. Elementary School along with their coaches and trainors.
The complete delegations also included players from Bacolod and the United States who joined the Sagay-based teams for the international competitions.
OIC-Schools Division Superintendent Dannie Clark M. Uguil, said the two championships were achievements not only of the athletes but of the schools and the entire Sagay community.
Uguil recalled the demanding schedules faced by the players, who at times had to play four to five games in a day while dealing with the summer heat in Texas and California.
“We witnessed how you played hard just to bring home these world championships. It was not easy, but because of the training you underwent, your discipline, and your determination, you were able to make it,” Uguil said as he thanked the coaches and training staff.
Mayor Leo Rafael “Bebo” M. Cueva said the victories are significant not only because of the trophies but because they show young Sagaynons what sustained training, discipline, and support can achieve.
“This is history for Sagay and for your generation. These two championship teams are examples that here in Sagay, we can do more. We do not settle for mediocrity,” Cueva said.
He pointed to the establishment of the Special Class for Sports at Sagay National High School as part of the system that allows student-athletes to receive more focused training while continuing their education.
Cueva recalled that Sagay’s international PONY journey gained momentum three years ago under then Mayor and now 2nd District Congressman Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III, together with the support of Gov. Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson and the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.
The mayor said the two championships should serve as another step toward building a stronger and more sustainable sports development system in the city.
“This is a symbol of our aspirations for Sagay. We see these athletes practicing day in and day out, taking their training seriously. Together, we will continue building a better sports program for Sagay,” Cueva said.
He also told the young champions that the city intends to support their return to international competition next year to defend their titles.
Cueva thanked the Provincial Government, Vice Mayor Narciso L. Javelosa Jr., the Sangguniang Panlungsod, DepEd Sagay, the coaching staff, Sagay City Sports Coordinator Angel Verdeflor, the athletes’ parents, and other partners who supported the teams’ training and international campaigns.
The program was also attended by Councilors Exequiel Marañon, Benson Fernandez and Marnielin Marco.
Speaking on behalf of Javelosa during the program, Councilor Exequiel Marañon congratulated the athletes and urged them to remain grounded despite their international success.
He said the championship belonged not only to the players but to the entire city, recognizing the parents who served as the athletes’ foundation and the coaches who developed their discipline and perseverance.
Marañon told the young players that sports is only one part of their journey and encouraged them to carry the same discipline as they eventually become teachers, professionals, mothers, and leaders in their respective communities.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod formally recognized both teams through Resolution No. 2026-349 for the 14U champions and Resolution No. 2026-350 for the 12U champions, commending the athletes for bringing international honor to Sagay City, Negros Occidental, and the Philippines.
The players were also presented with certificates, tokens, and cash incentives from the City Government.
Additional incentives were extended to the players and coaching staff through the support of Rep. Marañon, Mayor Cueva, and Vice Mayor Javelosa.
Arabella Jito, a Grade 9 student of Sagay National High School, was named Most Valuable Player of the 14U PONY International Softball World Series.
Jito has developed as one of Sagay’s leading young pitchers since entering SNHS in Grade 7.
Team Manager Reynaldo Fuentes said Jito recorded 48 strikeouts over 15 games during the campaign, while 12U standout Mary Cris Blanco, who was also recognized as MVP of her division during the homecoming, recorded 39 strikeouts.
Jito said becoming a PONY 14U World Champion was a dream come true after years of early morning practices, drills, setbacks, and sacrifices.
“This trophy isn’t just ours, it belongs to everyone who believed in us,” she said, dedicating the victory to their coaches, parents, sponsors, teammates, and the community that supported them.
Blanco, speaking for the 12U champions, told fellow young athletes that “no dream is too big for young dreamers,” thanking the coaches, trainers, parents, city officials, and supporters who helped make their international campaign possible.
DepEd Sagay OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Mark Anthony Tan said the championships were victories not only for Sagay but also for Negros Occidental and the Philippines.
He particularly recognized the parents and families who sacrificed their time, comfort, and resources throughout the players’ preparation and competitions.
“Behind every athlete is a family who believed,” Tan said, adding that the success of the two teams shows what can happen when talent, hard work, support, and faith come together.
For Sagay, the double championship adds to an international softball program that has steadily produced results.
In 2024, a Negros Occidental team composed mostly of Sagay players won the PONY Girls 16U world championship, while Sagay placed third in the 16U and fourth in the 14U competitions in 2025 before returning this year to capture two titles.
Principal Jerson F. Donasco led the recognition of the champions together with city and DepEd officials, coaches, and sports officials at SNHS.*
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