Ifugao elem football team readies for Palarong Pambansa after historic CARAA stint

Ifugao, Philippines - Following its historic win in this year’s Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet, the Ifugao Builders’ Elementary Football Team is now busy with training and preparations to represent the Cordillera Region in the country’s most prominent sports event for student-athletes.

The Builders swept a 4-0 win against Baguio E-Lions and finally clinched its CARAA football championship after 26 years, proving that temporary failures are just a prelude to success.

The team’s long-awaited victory did not come easily. Coach Freddie Bayangan is a testament to over two decades of perseverance, having attempted to chase the championship title four times, only to fall short each time.

“This team was defeated in the other year’s provincial meet so they could only watch the CARAA 2024 [from the sidelines], but they took it as a challenge and made it a point to bounce back, to prepare longer, improve their skills and be physically and mentally prepared,” he relayed in an interview.

Still, the preparation for the CARAA Meet 2025, according to Bayangan, was too short with the in-house training only lasting for five days. This, for the team, was not enough to fully prepare, especially since three players are from Kiangan and it is essential to develop strong team chemistry in order to further strengthen the team.

The health of the players also became a concern during the CARAA. According to Coach Bayangan, some athletes sustained injuries, while others fell sick during and after their games. As a result, adjustments were made and bench players filled crucial positions.

Winning the championship, the coach continued, was not in their thoughts since “the ball is round” and they have always acknowledged Baguio and Benguet’s strength in the finals. He and Coach Leslie Bautista, however, constantly reminded their team to give their best “for this is the time for us,” and so they did.

The team emerged victorious, and several of the players received special awards: Xian Barcia as Most Valuable Player, Steven Inocencio as Best Striker, Rhenyelle Abad as Best Goalkeeper, and Danraye Abad as Best Defender.

To Bayangan, their success is a dream come true for every Ifugao football player. This, he added, is a manifestation that a goal can be achieved “if we work hand in hand.”

The coach has nothing but gratitude to everyone who had been part of their victory, especially mentioning coach Leslie for serving as the mother of the team; to their local trainers, Lamut United Football Club (LUFC), for their dedication in training the players every afternoon; to Col. Bumidang of the Philippine Army for sending coaches to help in finishing touches; to the parents and LUFC President Kelvin Serrano for their unwavering support; and to the individuals, including those in the government, for providing financial aid.

Bayangan enjoined stakeholders to level up their support as the team gears up for the prestigious national sporting event.

For now, the Ifugao footballers are switching their focus to developing the individual and team tactical skills through their after-class training sessions and tune-up games every Saturday.

The anticipated 2025 Palarong Pambansa, which is expected to bring together approximately 15,000 participants, will be held in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, from May 24 to June 2.