Despite being obscure, Barotac Nuevo in the province of Iloilo is holding onto its moniker as "the football capital of the Philippines" — an anomaly in a nation that is passionate about basketball.
Here, football is the main sport. The game is held in far higher regard than it is in the rest of the nation. Here, sons are groomed to be players, and communities supply money to support their teams.
It embodied Iloilo as a beacon of hope for revitalizing Philippine football.
These investments in the sport for a community as small as Barotac Nuevo provide a beam of hope in shaping the next generation’s love of football. Perhaps, one may look back to them as a microcosm of what is to come for the sport in the country.
With its rich history, passionate fan base, and expanding infrastructure, Iloilo can continue to make great contributions to the sport.
Finding the next legends of the sport
Perhaps the brightest star to come out of the Iloilo grassroots program is Chieffy Caligdong.
Caligdong, a former captain of the Philippines national team, was a left winger who scored some of the most iconic goals during the Azkals' 2010 renaissance. He participated in United Football League clubs as a Green Archers United and Philippine Air Force player.
Since his retirement, Iloilo has longed for that next legend to come out of their province. With their investments at the youth level, the chance of mining a golden prospect is plausible.
By allowing young players to hone their abilities and participate in competitive levels, Iloilo should be able to develop a new generation of outstanding footballers who will one day represent the Philippines on the global stage
Growing audience and success
The country has been making noise in the football scene recently as the Women’s national team has taken the cudgels from its men’s counterpart, formerly known as the Azkals.
The Philippines won its first Women's World Cup after an unforgettable campaign that united a country where football is not religiously played. The magical debut captured the imagination of the Filipino football legion, which saw the nation's first World Cup goal and gave birth to new sports idols.
Football is gradually gaining traction in the Philippines, thanks to an expanding fan base, momentous wins, and increased media coverage.
Imagine the impact if Iloilo, with its passion for football and commitment to sports development, invested more in the sport. Iloilo has the potential to become the premier football hub in the Philippines by constructing cutting-edge facilities, further developing programs, and hosting national and international championships.
However, it is not only about winning games or awards. It's about developing talent, encouraging inclusivity, and instilling values like discipline and sportsmanship in the next generation. Football can inspire, uplift, and unite people to pursue a common goal.
Now, it is up to Barotac Nuevo and other communities in Iloilo to keep the ball rolling for the sport.
