BUTUAN CITY — The 14th Balangay Football Festival emerged as one of the major sporting events of the 76th Adlaw Hong Butuan celebration, drawing 90 teams from Davao, Tagum, Nabunturan, Surigao City, Agusan del Sur, Gingoog, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City, and Bukidnon to the Butuan City Polysports Complex. Conducted over two days, the festival featured intense competition and camaraderie as young athletes and experienced players competed in different age divisions. More than the wins and scores, the tournament emphasized discipline, teamwork, respect, perseverance, and courage values that continue to motivate the next generation of Butuanons and athletes throughout Mindanao.
A Celebration of Football and Community
More than just a football competition, the Balangay Football Festival became an important part of the city’s 76th Adlaw Hong Butuan festivities, uniting communities through the sport while giving athletes a chance to compete, build connections, and celebrate with the people of Butuan. In their messages, local officials emphasized that the festival reflects the broader significance of Adlaw Hong Butuan, not only honoring the city’s accomplishments and traditions, but also strengthening its commitment to developing its youth. Through opportunities such as this, Butuan continues to foster a generation equipped not only to compete, but also to lead, excel, and inspire others.
Day 1 Winners Across All Categories
On the first day of competition, First Touch Football DA emerged as champion in the U8-Mixed category, with Cabadbaran FC and Barangay Sentinels securing first and second runner-up positions respectively. In the U10-Mixed division, Balangay Sentinels FC claimed the championship, followed by Manolo United FC and Pineapple Country FC as runners-up. The U14 Boys category saw Youngster FC take the top spot, with TCA Dragons and KJB Rowdies placing second and third. In the U16 Boys division, First Touch Football DA clinched the championship, while Doongan FC and Balangay Sentinels FC finished as runners-up. The U16 Girls category was won by Nitivo FC, with Doongan FC and Balangay Sentinels FC following in second and third place. In the 35-UP division, Hingoognon United FC emerged as champion, with DATRC Ads Sarimanok FC and Ampayon FC securing the runner-up positions.
Day 2 Winners Across All Categories
The second day of competition saw Rizal Elementary School FT claim the championship in the U11-Mixed category, with First Touch Football DA and Balangay Sentinels FC finishing as runners-up. In the U13-Boys division, Manolo United FC took the top spot, followed by RTR FC and Rizal Elementary School FT. The U15-Boys category was won by First Touch Football DA, with Cabadbaran City FC and TCA Dragons FC placing second and third. In the Men's Open division, Banfa B emerged as champion, with HCDC and Balangay Sentinels finishing as runners-up. The Women's Open category saw Nitivi FC claim the championship, followed by HCDC and Kalye Kwatro. Finally, in the 45 UP division, Banfa A secured the top position, with Orlando FC and Xavier United finishing as runners-up.
