FOUR regional qualifying groups of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) U19 (Emerging) National Championship Qualifiers concluded with down to the wire games among the participating regional football associations (RFAs), and Davao South RFA (DRFA), Province of Bohol RFA (PBRFA), Central Bicol RFA (CBRFA), and South Cotabato–Sarangani–General Santos RFA (SOCSARGEN RFA) advancing to the national round.
The qualifiers underscore PFF’s commitment to strengthening youth pathways and widening access to high-level competition across the country.
In Mindanao Group H, held at the UP Mindanao Football Stadium in Davao City, DRFA topped a tightly contested cluster with seven points. After opening with a 2–2 draw against Golden Davao RFA (GODARFA), DRFA gained momentum with a composed 2–0 victory over Bukidnon FA, highlighted by a Man of the Match performance from Lleomer Polo of Davao City’s Rizal Memorial Colleges.
The decisive match came on January 25, a winner-take-all fixture against North Davao RFA (DAVNOR RFA). DRFA delivered when it mattered, winning 4–2 behind standout player James Krisher Gamite, securing the lone national berth.
DRFA coach Arman Valencia expressed appreciation for the level of organization and competitiveness throughout the event.
“We congratulate PFF personnel and officials for delivering a quality and well-organized competition. Our boys are very proud and happy to have won the regional competition, and we now shift our focus to preparing for the national level. We also commend the other RFAs—each match helped raise the level of play for everyone,” he said.
In the Visayas, PBRFA clinched the Group D slot at the Valencia Technical-Professional School Sports Complex in Bohol with a perfect six points. They opened with a strong 5–2 win over Eastern Visayas RFA (EVRFA) before securing qualification in a dramatic, come-from-behind 2–1 victory against Negros Oriental–Siquijor RFA (NOSIRFA).
NOSIRFA took the early lead in the 26th minute, but Bohol equalized just four minutes later through a transition sequence sparked by Leoric Thelly Amoy, who later delivered the decisive 87th-minute strike from 19 yards to send Bohol to the Nationals, much to the delight of the Boholano crowd who packed the venue.
PBRFA coach Alvin Mangubat expressed his joy in qualifying to the national tournament in thrilling fashion.
“We’re incredibly proud and happy to qualify! It’s a dream come true and a historic moment for Bohol football to reach the national stage for the first time,” he said. “Seeing our hard work pay off is so rewarding. The Boholano crowd was our 12th man—their cheers in Valencia really pushed us to the limit. This win is for every Boholano who backed us! The outpouring of pride and celebration from our supporters has been truly overwhelming.”
Over in Luzon Group C, Central CBRFA demonstrated consistent attacking form at the Naga City Sports Complex, finishing with six points following a 4–1 win over Quezon RFA and a 5–3 triumph over RFA Camarines Norte (REFACAMNOR). REFACAMNOR earned three points from a victory over Quezon, but CBRFA’s superior goal-scoring form carried them to the group title.
In Mindanao Group G at the M’lang Sports Complex in Cotabato, SOCSARGEN RFA secured qualification through goal difference after finishing level with Mount Apo RFA (MARFA) at seven points. SOCSARGEN recorded crucial wins early in the group, including a commanding 5–0 victory against Maguindanao RFA led by Man of the Match Mark Joshua Sedeng of General Santos City.
The final match between SOCSARGEN and MARFA ended 1–1, with Sedeng, a sophomore standout of the University of the East Red Warriors, once again earning the top individual honor. SOCSARGEN edged MARFA with a +7 goal difference, compared to MARFA’s +3, to claim the national championship berth.