Salaknib Martial Arts System struck six golds, two silvers, and nine bronze medals to grab the overall championship in the 3rd Baguio Centennial Arnis Cup held at Malcolm Square last September 21. 

Irisan National High School came in second with five golds, three silvers, and five bronze medals followed by YMCA Sphinx (4-5-2), Baguio Central University (3-4-4), San Vicente National High School (3-2-5), and Rizal National High School (3-2-4). 

A total of 113 arni-sadores representing 12 arnis clubs in the city took part in the tournament mainly sponsored by the National Institute of Information and Technology (NIIT) in coordination with the Baguio Centennial Commission. Eleven minor sponsors also supported the event. 

The first tournament was held last February with NIIT as overall champion, the second in June with YMCA Spinx taking the title.  The final tourney is tentatively scheduled this December. 

In his welcome remarks,  NIIT school administrator and event organizer Vladimir Cayabas said that the series of activities not only aims to celebrate the city’s centennial but also to highlight the need to preserve and develop indigenous sports as a vital component of Filipino national identity. 

Guest speaker councilor Rocky Balisong also underscored the twin goals of sports – physical development and responsible citizenship. “Victory,” he said, “doesn’t necessarily mean winning. What’s most important is that you played the right way.”  He urged the participants to invite more young people to engage in sports and so help solve juvenile delinquency.