ILOILO CITY: The city government here will send 196 delegates to the 2024 Batang Pinoy national championships in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan from November 23 to 28. In an interview on Monday, Executive Assistant for Youth and Sports Rudiver Jungco Sr. stated that due to adjustments in age requirements, which now only allow children aged 12 to 17 to compete, the city will have limited entries. According to Philippines News Agency, the city government remains optimistic that 80 to 90 percent of the participating athletes could bring home medals. Historically, most of the medals were secured by athletes in the nine to 10 age group. Jungco highlighted the city's participation in a variety of sports, including badminton, boxing, cycling, dance sports, judo, jujitsu, karatedo, kickboxing, obstacle course, swimming, pencak silat, table tennis, and taekwondo. Most of the delegates are products of the Iloilo City Sports Academy (ICSA), which is the grassroots program of the local government and recognized as one of the 18 best governance practices in the country by the Galing Pook Foundation. The city government is preparing PHP2.1 million to cover the expenses of the delegates. In past competitions, Iloilo City placed sixth in 2023 and fifth in 2022, and Jungco aims to improve on those standings this year. Additionally, Jungco mentioned the city government's plans to add gymnastics to the list of sports events available at ICSA, noting the need for a qualified trainer to initiate the program.