LESS than a seven months after it was recognized, the Province of Bohol Regional Football Association (PBRFA) has raised the bar for the sport in the province.
On June 10, 2025, the PBRFA was officially recognized by the Philippine Football Federation, opening the doors to participation in national-level competitions, including the PFF U19 National Championship.
And as its commitment to grassroots and competitive football development, the association conducted its domestic qualifying Round, gathering young and promising football talents from across the province the chance to join official PBRFA U19 team that would represent Bohol in the Regional Qualifying Round.
Another major challenge soon followed when PBRFA expressed its intent to host the PFF U19 Regional Qualifying Round, Bracket D, on Jan. 23–26, 2026.
The Municipality of Valencia, under the leadership of Mayor Dr. Dionesio Neil A. Balite, accepted the challenge and proudly served as the tournament host. This remarkable feat was made possible through the collaboration between the Provincial Government of Bohol, headed by Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO) chair Metodio Maraguinot Jr., PYDO SSD head Mr. Gelvi John Bongato, and Valencia Technical Vocational High School, led by Dr. Mary Chel Laguitao.
On the field, history was made. The PBRFA U19 team delivered an impressive performance, edging out powerhouse teams from the East Visayas Regional Football Association (EVRFA) and the Negros Oriental–Siquijor Regional Football Association (NOSIRFA). These victories secured PBRFA a coveted ticket to the National Qualifying Round, marking the province’s first-ever qualification at this level of competition.
“This victory belongs to our supporters and the entire Boholano football community. We are deeply grateful to Gov. Aris Aumentado and the Provincial Government, the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO) led by Mr. Metodio John Maraguinot Jr. and Coach Gelbong Bongato, and the PBRFA leadership under Vice Mayor Frenz Camacho and Maricel Lato. Special thanks to our steadfast champions in local football, Mayor Jess Baja of Garcia Hernandez, Mayor Junjun Ayuban of LGU Alicia, Mayor Michael Doria of LGU Sierra-Bullones and Mayor Neil Balite of Valencia, along with our vital private partners: PMSC, BLC, Floral Delights, Sano Athletics, and Mr. Jerome Naldoza-whose collective support fuels our dreams,” said coach Alvin Mangubat.
Behind this success was the dedicated coaching staff led by Head Coach Alvin R. Mangubat, with the invaluable support of Assistant Coaches Gilbert Macuse and Jade C. Tuyogon, whose guidance, discipline, and belief in the players were evident throughout the tournament.
Indeed, it was a double celebration for PBRFA—celebrating both a historic on-field victory and a successful hosting of a major regional tournament. Under the leadership of PBRFA President Fernando C. Camacho Jr., General Secretary Maricel L. Olaguir, and the rest of the association’s officers, staff, partners, and supporters, this achievement stands as a testament to unity, leadership, and the growing strength of football in Bohol.