Central Bicol Regional Football Association (CBRFA) of Camarines Sur and Mount Apo Regional Football Association (MARFA) of Cotabato province have topped their respective regional groups to advance to the inaugural Philippine Football Federation (PFF) U16 National Championship group stage, following strong performances in the Luzon Group C and Mindanao Group G qualifiers over the weekend.
The PFF U16 National Championship serves as one of the Federation’s flagship youth development competitions, designed to expand high-level match exposure for young Filipino footballers across the country. The qualification of CBRFA and MARFA further completes the growing field of regional champions advancing to the national round.
Central Bicol dominates Luzon Group C
Competing at the Naga City Sports Complex in Camarines Sur, host CBRFA swept both of their matches to finish with six points and secure the lone Luzon Group C slot.
Results – Group C (Luzon)
- January 26: CBRFA vs. Quezon RFA (QRFA), 1–0
- January 27: QRFA vs. REFACAMNOR, 6–1
- January 28: CBRFA vs. REFACAMNOR, 10–1
CBRFA’s disciplined defensive structure and clinical attacking performance ensured their place in the national group stage. QRFA finished with three points, while RFA Camarines Norte ended with zero.
Mount Apo sweeps Mindanao Group G with emphatic performances
At the M’lang Sports Complex in Cotabato, host MARFA put on a commanding display across three match days, earning nine points from three wins and topping a competitive Group G.
Results – Group G (Mindanao)
- January 30: SOCSARGEN RFA vs. SKFA, 2–0
Man of the Match: Rolly Pondong (Sto. Niño National HS, South Cotabato)
- January 30: MARFA vs. MRFA, 10–0
Man of the Match: Tristan Jake Paraña (M’lang National HS, Cotabato)
- January 31: MARFA vs. SKFA, 8–0
Man of the Match: Mike Lawrence Palermo (M’lang National HS, Cotabato)
- January 31: SOCSARGEN RFA vs. MRFA, 5–1
Man of the Match: Prince Dan Dave Severino (Tupi, South Cotabato)
- February 1: SKFA vs. MRFA, 5–1
Man of the Match: King Dormedo (Sultan Kudarat)
- February 1: MARFA vs. SOCSARGEN RFA, 6–2
Man of the Match: Tristan Jake Paraña (M’lang National HS, Cotabato)
MARFA’s unbeaten run was headlined by standout performances from Cotabato’s young talents, including multiple Man of the Match awards for Paraña, who delivered consistently across the group stage.
Expanding national field
CBRFA and MARFA now join earlier qualified RFAs:
- National Capital Region FA
- Olongapo City–Zambales FA
- Negros Occidental RFA
- Iloilo–Guimaras RFA
- Golden Davao RFA
“The progression of more regional champions into the national stage reflects the strength and momentum of youth football development nationwide,” said PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez. “We are seeing the results of increased grassroots engagement and stronger support from local football associations. Our young players are competing with pride and showing tremendous potential.”
The PFF U16 National Championship continues in February as remaining regional qualifiers conclude with Group E and Group F in Mindanao.