Caligdong nets 4 as IGRFA routs OCZFA, books PFF U16 final slot

BAGO CITY, Negros Occidental — Nathan Caligdong scored four goals as Iloilo-Guimaras Regional Football Association (IGRFA) dismantled Olongapo City-Zambales FA (OCZFA), 10-0, in the first semifinal of the inaugural 2026 Philippine Football Federation (PFF) U16 National Boys’ Championship on Tuesday at the Manuel Y. Torres Sports Center here.

The result sends IGRFA into Wednesday’s national final against National Capital Region Football Association (NCRFA), which recovered from a difficult first half to defeat hosts Negros Occidental RFA (NORFA), 3-1, in the second semifinal.

Caligdong opened the scoring in the 16th minute, converting a midfield cross from Benedict Simon Sumagaysay with his left foot.

Stello Siloterio doubled the lead in the 20th minute, tapping in from the six-yard box off a cutback from captain Jaylord Dajay.

Sumagaysay’s second delivery released Caligdong again in the 43rd minute for his brace, and Siloterio added a fourth from a Caligdong half-volley pass in first-half stoppage time.

Caligdong completed his hat-trick from a Dajay midfield lob in the fourth minute of added time, sending IGRFA into the break with a 5-0 advantage.

Dajay turned scorer himself in the 55th minute, driving through on an attacking run to finish inside the six-yard box, before Caligdong struck again three minutes later from a Dajay through ball to make it 7-0.

Joy Jamotillo Jr. extended the lead in the 63rd minute, tapping in from close range off a Dajay short pass in the final third.

Cyrus Prix Guevarra added a ninth with a solo counter-attack from the right in the 88th minute, and Jamotillo sealed the rout in stoppage time, converting the rebound after OCZFA goalkeeper Zeijan Garcia had saved Gab Belluga’s initial effort.

Named Player of the Match, Caligdong — the 14-year-old nephew of Philippine football icon Chieffy Caligdong — spoke with quiet confidence after the performance.

“Sinunod ko lang po ang mga sinabi ng coach ko, si Coach Joanna at lahat ng coaching staff. Disiplina lang po sa pagtulog at tsaka dedication lang sa laro,” he said.

Caligdong also addressed the weight of the family name he carries, alluding to his uncle Chieffy, who scored 16 international goals for the Philippine men’s national team between 2004 and 2013.

“Napakasaya po kasi parang ako yung dumadala ng legasiya nya ngayon,” he said.

IGRFA head coach Joanna Marie Sabid reflected on the result and the broader significance of the inaugural championship.

“We also practiced yung play namin in preparation for the championship,” she said. “It’s a good start especially nag-umpisa na si U16 — this is also a chance and opportunity for different provinces, not only just Iloilo, but also different provinces in the Philippines to prepare and look forward for such competitions.”

In the second semifinal, NCRFA drew first blood in the seventh minute when Iñigo Ramirez finished from the right side of the box off Johannesberg Ortigas’ side pass from a dribbling attack inside the area.

NORFA leveled four minutes later through a standout moment of the tournament: Jhon Luke Libunao launched a curling strike from 40 yards in midfield that flew into the goal to make it 1-1.

NORFA then executed a disciplined offside trap that disrupted NCRFA’s rhythm through the remainder of the first half, repeatedly snaring their attacking runners and threatening to decide the match on tactical intelligence alone.

NCRFA head coach Dan Padernal made halftime adjustments that proved decisive, and within two minutes of the restart, his side had turned the match.

Ramirez curled a finish from the right area of the box off a Zac Mitchell midfield lob in the 51st minute to restore the lead, and just 60 seconds later, Kieran Jacob tapped home after Ramirez’s through ball was erratically cleared by NORFA defender Fire John Serfino directly into Jacob’s path to make it 3-1.

Ramirez, who finished with two goals and an assist, captured the spirit of NCRFA’s performance in his post-match remarks.

“We never gave up no matter the offsides, no matter the mistakes,” he said. “Coach Dan is really good at adjusting and it has helped us score more goals. Obviously, as an NCR player, we’re gonna go all out. Even though we lost to Iloilo in the group stage, we’re gonna win this and get NCR’s title.”

Padernal credited his players for executing under pressure.

“The boys stepped up for the challenge — I know that NORFA would not be giving it to us, the players worked out for it,” he said. “The ball rotation and our penetration passes are very effective, so I give all the credit to the boys.”

Looking ahead to the final, Padernal was measured but resolute.

“Finals is a different story. It’s about making history here in the U16 national finals. May the best men win,” he said.

IGRFA and NCRFA meet in the PFF U16 National Boys’ Championship Final at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Manuel Y. Torres Sports Center, preceded by the third-place playoff between NORFA and OCZFA at 6:30 a.m.

The awarding ceremony follows the final. Admission is free, and a livestream will be available on the Philippine Football Federation’s official Facebook and YouTube accounts. (PFF)