Tarlac — This October, the 24th Aboitiz Football Cup brought together talent, teamwork, and the vibrant community spirit at the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Tarlac. As one of the country’s longest-running grassroots sports tournaments, the Aboitiz Football Cup reflects our commitment to building stronger communities, fostering camaraderie, and nurturing the potential of Filipino youth.
This year’s edition is particularly special, expanding the tournament to regional legs in Tarlac, Batangas, and Davao, further extending our reach and impact. The Aboitiz Football Cup is more than just a sports event—it is a platform that empowers young athletes, inspiring them to embrace values of resilience, discipline, and sportsmanship. Every match became an opportunity for these players to demonstrate their passion, skill, and dedication to the sport.
In line with our vision for sustainable development, this year’s tournament introduced the “Wasteless Campaign” in collaboration with Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI). This initiative underscores our belief in harmonizing sports with sustainability, encouraging young athletes to champion environmental stewardship on and off the field
Over two weekends in October, more than 1,000 participants across 48 teams took part in the Tarlac leg, representing a wide range of age groups from U-8 to U-18. Families, sports enthusiasts, and the wider community gathered to cheer on their local teams, fostering unity and promoting active lifestyles across Tarlac.
The tournament’s winners included:
- U-8: Pilman Balanga FC (Champion), Clark International Football Academy (CIFA) (Second), Gerona FC (Third), MVP: Danielle John Liegue
- U-10: Pilman Balanga FC (Champion), Ash FC (Second), Gerona FC (Third), MVP: Dylan Miguel Liegue
- U-12: Pilman Balanga FC (Champion), Sta. Ignacia (Second), Camp Aquino (Third), MVP: Edu Sangalang
- U-14: Dinadiawan B FC (Champion), BASA B FC (Second), Dinadiawan A (Third), MVP: Mark Nigel Solomon
- U-16: Ciudad de Urdaneta FC (Champion), CIFA (1st Runner-Up), BASA FC (2nd Runner-Up), Piliman Balanga (3rd Runner-Up), MVP: Ralph Rogojos
- U-18: Don Bosco B (Champion), CIFA B (1st Runner-Up), BASA FC (2nd Runner-Up), Tarlac National Highschool (3rd Runner-Up), MVP: Josh Flores
The top two teams from each regional festival will have the privilege of participating in a special exhibition match in Cebu, the birthplace of the Aboitiz Football Cup, culminating in a celebration of sporting excellence.
TARI Estate: A Catalyst for Growth in Tarlac
Tarlac is also home to Aboitiz InfraCapital’s latest project, TARI Estate, a 200-hectare development that will redefine the economic landscape of Central Luzon. This forward-thinking project is projected to create up to 60,000 jobs, while integrating commercial lots, retail spaces, and essential infrastructure—laying the foundation for a vibrant and dynamic community.
As we celebrate the success of this year’s football tournament, we also recognize the important role that sports play in building stronger, more connected communities. The Aboitiz Football Cup exemplifies our unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life in the regions we serve—not only through sustainable industrial development, such as TARI Estate, but also by promoting youth engagement, environmental responsibility, and a sense of pride among Filipinos.
Together, through initiatives like the Aboitiz Football Cup and developments like TARI Estate, we continue to shape a brighter, more sustainable future for Tarlac and the Philippines.