The court at the Talisay City Central Gym was buzzing with intense energy, competitive fire, and regional pride from August 29 to 31, 2026. Across three continuous days of action, Liga Eskwela – Cebu brought together student-athletes from schools and grassroots communities throughout the province, proving once again that the passion for futsal in the Visayas is stronger than ever.
As the flagship school-based program of The Henry V. Moran Foundation, Liga Eskwela (“School League”) uses the fast-paced, small-court nature of futsal to blend athletic execution with values formation. By transforming public school courts and municipal gyms into accessible hubs for sport, Liga Eskwela ensures that every child—regardless of background—gets the opportunity to play, compete, develop, and belong.
Three Days, Three Divisions: Tournament Champions
The three-day festival featured fierce competition across three distinct age and gender categories, showcasing the impressive technical maturity of Cebu’s young futsal players.
U17 Girls’ Division (August 29)
The opening day set a high bar for tactical awareness and teamwork, culminating in an exciting all-Talisay final:
- Champion: Talisay City National High School B
- 1st Runner-Up: Talisay City National High School A
U13 Mixed Division (August 30)
Day two highlighted developmental grassroots talent, as elementary and early high school athletes demonstrated sharp touch and quick decision-making under pressure:
- Champion: Carcar City (Elementary and High School)
- 1st Runner-Up: Cotcot Elementary School
U15 Girls’ Division (August 31)
The festival concluded with an explosive display of speed, transition play, and skill in the U15 category:
- Champion: Talisay City National High School
- 1st Runner-Up: Bartolome and Manuela Pañares Memorial National High School
Congratulations to all our champions, podium finishers, and every student-athlete who represented their school with grit and sportsmanship!
Why Futsal? Solving Space and Empowering Public Schools
Traditional football requires expansive fields that many urban and provincial public schools lack. Futsal—played 5-a-side on hard-court surfaces like covered basketball courts and community gyms—solves this spatial challenge, making structured sports immediately accessible across the Philippines.
Through Liga Eskwela, THVMF partners with educators, DepEd divisions, and regional coordinators to equip physical education teachers, train local coaches, and establish sustainable sports programs. The game’s quick transitions and frequent ball touches accelerate player development, teaching young athletes spatial awareness, composure under pressure, and teamwork.
More importantly, Liga Eskwela prioritizes gender equity by creating dedicated divisions for young women, paving clear pathways for female student-athletes to earn academic sports scholarships and national program scouting opportunities.
A Shared Regional Effort
Bringing a multi-day regional tournament to life requires strong community leadership and dedication on the ground. We extend our deepest gratitude to key partners who made Liga Eskwela – Cebu a success:
- Coach Rhosner Bollozos: The Moran Foundation’s Cebu Coordinator, whose tireless advocacy and on-the-ground organization continue to open doors for youth athletes in the region.
- Talisay City Central Gym: For providing a top-tier facility where players, families, and supporters could gather safely.
- School Administrators, Teachers, & Parents: For supporting these young athletes and prioritizing character formation through sports.
Opening Doors Beyond the Scoreline
While trophies were raised in Talisay City, the true victory of Liga Eskwela lies in the lasting impact on the community. Every school engaged, every court opened, and every match played helps a child discover their potential—both as a player and as a leader.
At The Henry V. Moran Foundation, our mission remains clear: to build character, foster confidence, and empower the next generation of Filipino youth through futsal.
Play. Develop. Belong.