Cagayan de Oro recently became the epicenter of youth futsal last March 15-16, 2025 as the Henry V. Moran Foundation’s Liga Eskwela Futsal Festival took center stage. The two-day event showcased the incredible talent, determination, and sportsmanship of young student-athletes from various schools across the region. With intense matches, thrilling performances, and a vibrant display of teamwork, the festival proved to be a milestone event for futsal development in local schools.
Day 1: A Triumph for Young Female Futsal Players
The opening day of the tournament saw young female athletes take to the court, displaying skill, passion, and a hunger for victory. The competition was fierce, but above all, the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship shone brightly.
Final Results – Day 1
Elementary Girls:
🏆 Champion: Bulua ES
🥈 1st Runner-Up: XUGS
🥉 2nd Runner-Up: Mambuaya ES
High School Girls:
🏆 Champion: Lumbia NHS
🥈 1st Runner-Up: XUHS
🥉 2nd Runner-Up: Bulua NHS
Participating Schools – Girls’ Division
Elementary Girls:
- Bulua Central School
- Mambuaya ES
- XUGS
High School Girls:
- Balulang NHS
- Bulua NHS
- Bonbon NHS
- Carmen NHS
- Lumbia NHS
- XUHS
A huge congratulations to all teams for their impressive performances! With such promising talent on display, the future of girls’ futsal in Cagayan de Oro looks incredibly bright.
As the day ended, anticipation grew for the next round of competition, with the boys’ division set to take center stage.
Day 2: The Boys Bring Their A-Game
Day two of the festival was just as electrifying, as young male athletes took to the futsal court to battle it out for the top spots. The competition was nothing short of intense, with nail-biting finishes and exceptional individual performances highlighting the day’s events.
Final Results – Day 2
Elementary Boys:
🏆 Champion: XUGS
🥈 1st Runner-Up: Bulua CS
🥉 2nd Runner-Up: Mambuaya ES
High School Boys:
🏆 Champion: XUHS
🥈 1st Runner-Up: Canito-an NHS
🥉 2nd Runner-Up: Lumbia NHS
Participating Schools – Boys’ Division
Elementary Boys:
- Bulua Central School
- Mambuaya ES
- XUGS
High School Boys:
- Balulang NHS
- Bulua NHS
- Bonbon NHS
- Canito-an NHS
- Lumbia NHS
- XUHS
The energy and enthusiasm from both players and supporters made for an unforgettable day of futsal. Congratulations to all the teams for their outstanding efforts and dedication!
Acknowledgments: A Collective Effort for Success
The success of the Liga Eskwela Futsal Festival would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of individuals and organizations who worked tirelessly behind the scenes:
- Sir Welben Alim, School Head of Balulang NHS, for providing the venue and creating a welcoming environment for the teams and officials.
- Sir Christian Gem Pimentel (Tournament Director) and Sir Walter Sabellano Galarroza (Referee Assessor) for ensuring high-quality officiating throughout the tournament.
- Sir Crespo Lu, for generously providing a standard-size futsal goal that elevated the quality of play.
- Sir Bantol Gong and his students, for their assistance in preparing the futsal pitch.
- The Barangay Balulang Medical Team, for their dedication in ensuring the safety and well-being of all athletes.
- Most importantly, to the Lord, for His guidance, protection, and blessings throughout the tournament.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Futsal in Schools
The Liga Eskwela Futsal Festival in Cagayan de Oro marks the beginning of greater opportunities for futsal development in schools. The enthusiasm and talent displayed over the two-day event reflect the potential of these young athletes to excel in the sport. The Moran Foundation remains committed to fostering grassroots futsal programs, encouraging more schools to participate, and creating platforms for young players to grow and thrive.
A heartfelt thank you to all the players, coaches, schools, and supporters who made this event a resounding success. We look forward to seeing you all in the next Liga Eskwela event!
Stay tuned for more exciting futsal action, and let’s continue building a brighter future for youth sports in the Philippines!