BAGO CITY — The National Capital Region Football Association (NCRFA) claimed the first-ever title of the 2026 PFF U16 National Boys’ Championship, defeating Iloilo-Guimaras Regional Football Association (IGRFA), 4-0, in the final on Wednesday, May 6, at the Manuel Y. Torres Sports Center here.
The championship capped a week-long showcase of emerging Filipino talent, with PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez emphasizing the tournament’s broader significance in national football development.
“I want to congratulate all the participating teams. I think everybody showed what a Filipino footballer is made of,” Gutierrez said.
He added that the tournament demonstrated the depth of talent across the archipelago.
There’s a misconception that football is centralized in Manila or a few major cities. But as you can see, it’s everywhere. Players from different corners of the country are excelling. With programs like this, we will double our efforts to ensure every Filipino child is given the opportunity to succeed.
NCRFA rises to the occasion
Facing a side that had defeated them in the group stage, NCRFA delivered a composed and clinical performance in the final, overcoming early resistance from IGRFA before asserting full control.
IGRFA goalkeeper Wilson Muñoz, Jr. was called into action early, producing a crucial save in the 4th minute to deny Marcus Tanjangco. NCRFA continued to press, with Iñigo Ramirez narrowly missing a direct free kick in the 10th minute and Kieran Jacob firing just wide before halftime.
Despite NCRFA’s attacking intent, IGRFA remained dangerous on the counter. Nathan Caligdong tested NCRFA goalkeeper Don Santiago Elvina early in the second half, while Benedict Simon Sumagaysay and Jaylord Dajay both threatened NCRFA’s net.
The breakthrough came just after halftime. In the 48th minute, Kieran Jacob opened the scoring, making a decisive run from the left flank and finishing off a well-weighted midfield through pass from Johannesbern Ortigas to give NCRFA the lead.
The match’s turning point came in the 61st minute when Dajay was sent off after receiving a second yellow card after a high boot call on Elvina, reducing IGRFA to ten men and shifting momentum decisively in NCRFA’s favor.
NCRFA capitalized further as the match progressed. In the 67th minute, Ortigas doubled the advantage, finishing from close range following a well-worked throw-in sequence.
Jacob then completed his brace in the 80th minute, converting a precise attacking cross from Judah Zephy Tenerepe.
Three minutes later, Ortigas secured his own brace, finishing off a pinpoint delivery from Ramirez inside the box.
Resilient journey
For Jacob, the triumph carried added emotional weight.
“I’m speechless. What an amazing team,” he said. “The way we play, the way we encourage each other—we never give up. We lost to Iloilo in the qualifying round, and now we faced them again in the finals and got our revenge.”
Jacob also dedicated the victory to injured teammate Andy Pacasum. “It was a very hard journey. Unfortunately, one of our players got injured. We dedicate this win to Andy. We kept fighting for him.”
NCRFA head coach Dan Padernal echoed the sentiment, highlighting the squad’s determination.
“Different story—it’s the finals. You have to show your A-game,” Padernal said. “We were beaten by Iloilo in the eliminations, but the boys showed a big heart to overcome adversity. Even with fatigue and injuries, they gave everything.”
He added, “I give all the credit to the boys, and to the MFC (Makati Football Club) family. Andy, this is for you—we’re bringing the trophy home.”
Strong finish for host
In the battle for third place, the Negros Occidental Regional Football Association (NORFA) delighted home supporters with a commanding 6-1 comeback victory over the Olongapo City-Zambales Football Association (OCZFA).
After trailing early, NORFA erupted for six second-half goals, led by captain Jhon Luke Libunao and brace scorer Fire John Serfino.
NORFA President Miguel Valmayor expressed gratitude for the successful hosting of the tournament.
“Maraming salamat sa PFF and sa mga LGUs of Victorias and Bago,” Valmayor said. “Our volunteers worked hard to make sure all teams had a great experience. For us to improve football in our country, each of us has a responsibility—let’s build Philippine football together.”
Gutierrez also commended the host region and local stakeholders.
“The hosting by NORFA was fantastic. Many thanks to President Valmayor, the local organizing committee, and the people of Bago City. The volunteers were warm and welcoming. The next edition will be much bigger.”
Individual excellence recognized
The tournament also celebrated standout individual performances:
- Most Valuable Player: Kieran Jacob (NCRFA)
- Golden Boot: Basti Ordinan (CMORFA) – 9 goals
- Best Midfielder: Nathan Caligdong (IGRFA)
- Best Defender: Bryant Julyant Monsanto (NCRFA)
- Best Goalkeeper: Don Santiago Elvina (NCRFA)
- Fair Play Award: OCZFA
A platform for the future
Beyond the results, the tournament reaffirmed the PFF’s commitment to grassroots development and talent identification.
“With the competitiveness and quality we’ve seen, there’s nowhere to go but up,” Gutierrez said. “The popularity of football is catching up in the country, inspired by our national teams. Tournaments like this will help us produce more players of national and international quality.”
