MIXED martial arts (MMA) world champion Eduard Folayang called on local officials to invest more on sports facilities to hone more champions from Baguio City.
Folayang, who was the guest of honor and speaker during the city’s 108th Charter Day Anniversary said providing facilities and equipment for emerging brave athletes in various sports is needed.
“Many years from now, we will produce more and more people excelling in their own fields and go to places and bring medals for our beloved city,” Folayang added if the facility is realized.
Folayang expressed his gratitude to the city for their support to the athletes and the willingness of Baguio leaders in helping them.
“But the question is up to what extent do the support for the young and talented athletes, until when, where, and how we assist them,” said the One Championship lightweight world titlist.
“To make our city a real land of champions is to make our heart loves discipline which is the one core values of martial arts. Because this attribute when practice serves its practitioners integrity and lifestyle. If we want to pass this legacy, to our city, to our children it should all starts within us,” Folayang said.
During the Baguio day program, the city also recognized seven athletes for bringing honor to the Summer Capital. Among the awardees include Iñigo Navarette-Anton, the youngest race driver in the Philippines; Gina Iniong, who is currently ranked one of the best pound for pound in mixed martial arts fighter in Southeast Asia; Divine Wally, the gold medalist during the Sanda World Cup held in Xian, China; Jeordan Dominguez, a gold medallist in the 10th World Taekwondo Poomsae in Manila; International Master Haridas Pascua and Kareel Meer Hongitan, for bringing home a gold during in the 6th Southeast Asian Archery competition and a bronze in the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Lauren Alimondo)