A 12-year-old athlete from La Paz District in the City of Iloilo clinched two gold medals in the ongoing 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

Melchor Bataican III, a resident of Barangay Jereos, Iloilo City clinched the gold medal in the Arnis individual double weapon – Elementary Boys category.

Aside from the said event, Melchor also bagged the gold in the Arnis individual espada y daga (sword and dagger) - Elementary Boys category.

It was in 2023 when Melchor’s interest in arnis came to life. It was in the 2023 Palarong Pambansa that he bit on his first gold medal in the team category for arnis.

“Masaya, kasi ang lahat na hard work at dedication nag-pay off talaga. Special talaga sa akin kasi mula pa noon, gusto kong makakuha ng gold sa individual,” Melchor said.

Aside from the two gold medals, Melchor also pitched in silver and bronze medals in the mixed double and team category.

Melchor is considered a standout in the arnis event. He has about 30 medals in various arnis competitions.

“Tuwing may laro siya, tumatawag ako at nagco-congratulate sa kanya. Then before siya umuwi, bago matulog sa Ilocos, nag-a-update siya sa akin. ‘Pa, panalo ako. Ang reward ko, i-ready na dyan',” his father, Melchor Bataican Jr., said.