National Capital Region captured the inaugural 2026 PFF U16 National Boys’ Championship title after defeating Iloilo-Guimaras, 4-0, in the final on Wednesday at the Manuel Y. Torres Sports Center at Bago City.
The championship capped a week-long showcase of emerging Filipino football talent, with PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez emphasizing the tournament’s broader significance to the sport’s grassroots 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 highlighted the depth of football talent across the country.
“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,” he said.
Facing the same side that defeated them in the group stage, NCRFA delivered a composed and clinical performance in the final, overcoming early resistance from IGRFA before taking full control.
IGRFA goalkeeper Wilson Muñoz Jr. was tested early, producing a crucial save in the fourth minute to deny Marcus Tanjangco. NCRFA continued to press, with Iñigo Ramirez narrowly missing a direct free kick in the 10th minute, while Kieran Jacob fired just wide before halftime.
Despite NCRFA’s attacking pressure, IGRFA remained dangerous on the counterattack. Nathan Caligdong tested NCRFA goalkeeper Don Santiago Elvina early in the second half, while Benedict Simon Sumagaysay and Jaylord Dajay both threatened the NCRFA defense.
The breakthrough came in the 48th minute when Jacob opened the scoring, making a decisive run from the left flank before finishing a well-weighted 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 for a high boot on Elvina, reducing IGRFA to 10 men and shifting momentum firmly in NCRFA’s favor.
NCRFA capitalized as the match wore on. In the 67th minute, Ortigas doubled the advantage with a close-range finish following a well-worked throw-in sequence.
Jacob completed his brace in the 80th minute, converting a precise cross from Judah Zephy Tenerepe.
Three minutes later, Ortigas secured his own brace after finishing a pinpoint delivery from Ramirez inside the box.
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.”
In the battle for third place, Negros Occidental delighted home supporters with a dominant 6-1 comeback victory over Olongapo City-Zambales.
After trailing early, NORFA erupted for six second-half goals behind 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.”
Beyond the team triumphs, the tournament also placed a spotlight on individual brilliance that defined the week-long competition, with NCRFA’s championship run mirrored by its dominance in the individual awards.
Leading the way was NCRFA standout Kieran Jacob, who was named Most Valuable Player after powering his side to the historic title, including a brace in the final that sealed the 4-0 victory. The Golden Boot, meanwhile, went to CMORFA’s Basti Ordinan, who finished the tournament as its most lethal scorer with nine goals, consistently proving to be a constant attacking threat throughout the campaign.
IGRFA’s Nathan Caligdong was recognized as Best Midfielder for his composure and creativity in the middle of the park, anchoring his team’s build-up play even in high-pressure matches. NCRFA’s defensive stability was also rewarded, with Bryant Monsanto named Best Defender, while teammate Don Santiago Elvina completed the NCRFA sweep of major accolades by taking home Best Goalkeeper after a string of crucial saves across the tournament.
Rounding out the honors, the Fair Play Award went to OCZFA, whose discipline and sportsmanship stood out as they represented their region with integrity from start to finish.
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.”
