Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) Booters drew National Capital Region (NCR)’s 64th Palarong Pambansa stint to a close after being crowned champions of the secondary football division against Tañon College from Western Visayas last Tuesday, July 16, at the Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex in Talisay, Cebu. 

The Diliman-based ball squad remained atop the secondary football finals as they charged through in classic Tamaraw fashion with a 3-2 comeback win from a scoreless first half.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, Head Coach Jake Morallo shared his sentiments on behalf of the team playing in the Palarong Pambansa.

“Most of us are our first time na maglaro sa (to play in the) Palarong Pambansa, and it's one of our dreams na makamit ito (to achieve this); we are very happy and very proud to represent NCR-FEU Diliman Quezon City,” Morallo mentioned.

Subsequently, the FEU-D head coach emphasized how the recent game will serve as a learning experience for the Baby Tams on their next University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) appearance.

“It’s a big experience also kasi may mga (since there are) moment[s] sa (during the) game na (that) we have to improve and focus 100 percent more sa (on) discipline and hard work from start to finish; at dito kami magfo-focus (and this is what we will be focusing on) moving on sa (with our) preparation namin sa (for the) upcoming Juniors UAAP Season 87 next year,” he shared.

The green-and-gold high school team showed great success in the national scene as NCR snagged their 17th overall championship by finishing with a 98-66-74 gold-silver-bronze record. 

Western Visayas settled third on the podium with a 56-41-41 run while CALABARZON finished second with 57-51-53.

Palarong Pambansa is a nationwide multi-sport event held every year as an avenue for student-athletes from the elementary to secondary level to showcase their skills, talent, and sportsmanship. 

The 12-time UAAP Boys’ football champs will continue to leave their mark on the field as they prepare for the upcoming UAAP Season 87. 

- Kyle Beltran
(Photo courtesy of Palarong Pambansa 2024 - Cebu City Facebook page)