Young gymnasts from Dagupan City are stepping up their training as they prepare to represent the city in the upcoming Batang Pinoy 2025 games this October.

The Dagupan City Gymnastics Team, composed of at least 20 athletes, has been training daily, with seven members set to compete in the national meet from October 25 to 31.

Coach Liwliua Junior Peralta said their goal is clear.

“Continue ang training ng mga bata para sa palaro. Gusto naming makamit ang gold medal ng Dagupan,” he said.

Among the city’s hopefuls is 13-year-old Zoe Bettina Ilaw of Barangay Tapuac. It will be her third time joining Batang Pinoy, after winning a bronze medal last year.

Zoe has been a consistent gold medalist in the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) meet and dreams of competing on the world stage.

“Training lang po araw-araw. Huwag susuko. Pag nahirapan, pahinga saglit. Tapos, go ulit!” she said.

The team has been practicing for two months, with sessions lasting up to six hours a day as the competition nears.

According to Edmund Ilaw, who is in charge of the Dagupan City Gymnastics Team, the local government has been providing strong support to the athletes.

“Sinusuportahan kami through financial, mga gamit. May allowances pag nagpupunta kami ng national competition,” he said.

The Batang Pinoy games aim to develop grassroots athletes and provide young talents the chance to compete nationally.