Kidapawan City’s young taekwondo athletes have once again proven their mettle on the national stage, bringing home multiple medals from the 2026 Smart/MVP Foundation National New Face of the Year Taekwondo Championship held at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium in Malate, Manila on May 16-17, 2026.
The Kidapaweño athletes showcased exceptional skill, discipline, and determination throughout the competition, earning recognition for their city and the entire North Cotabato province.
Gold Medalists
Three young athletes from Kidapawan City claimed the top podium finish:
- Vhinze Arjhay C. De Luna — Gold Medal
- Andrei Eron Kiell D. Pajal — Gold Medal
- Ryigaux Vaeddh A. Collados — Gold Medal
Silver and Bronze Medalists
Joining the gold medalists in bringing honor to the city were:
- Austine Dwayne S. Umali — Silver Medal
- Venice Arjhayne C. De Luna — Bronze Medal
- Ohil Joshean L. Pinsoy — Bronze Medal
Additionally, Isabella B. Serquiña reached the Quarter Finals of the competition, demonstrating the depth of talent coming from Kidapawan City.
City Government Recognition
The Local Government of Kidapawan formally recognized the athletes’ achievements during a ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026. The young medalists were honored alongside their coaches, Roel Dayao Yaoto and Zoey M. Yaoto, who have been instrumental in training and mentoring the athletes.
The city government praised the athletes for embodying the true spirit of Kidapaweño excellence — proving that real strength is not measured by the speed of a kick or the strength of a defense, but by the discipline and perseverance drawn from every training session.
A Source of City Pride
These achievements add to Kidapawan City’s growing reputation as a breeding ground for talented athletes. The city continues to invest in sports development programs, encouraging its youth to pursue excellence both in academics and athletics.
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