KICKING IT FORWARD: Barotacnons power football development in Iloilo

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Football development in Iloilo province continues to be shaped by figures from Barotac Nuevo, long regarded as the country’s football capital, through contributions spanning grassroots programs, club competition and provincial football administration.

Former Philippine national team player Chieffy Caligdong and Iloilo Football Association President Eduardo Robles Jr. are among those cited by local officials and stakeholders for sustaining the province’s football ecosystem.

Caligdong, born in Pototan and raised in Barotac Nuevo, rose from grassroots football to become a regular member of the Philippine men’s national team, the Azkals, helping highlight Iloilo’s long-standing football culture.

After his playing career, Caligdong remained active in football development through youth clinics, training programs and coaching roles, including community-based initiatives in Barotac Nuevo aimed at introducing the sport to younger players.

These efforts helped sustain grassroots interest in football and reinforced pathways for youth participation in organized competitions.

Alongside former players, football administrators from the province have also strengthened the sport’s competitive and organizational structure.

Robles, who has been involved in Philippine football at both club and provincial levels for more than a decade, currently serves as president of the Iloilo Football Association.

He is the owner of Stallion Football Club, a Barotac Nuevo-based team that competed in the former United Football League and won the UFL Cup in 2012.

Stallion later captured the United Football League title in the 2013–2014 season, establishing itself as a consistent contender during the league’s peak years.

Beyond club competition, Robles has helped lead provincial football programs that include coaching courses, provincial tournaments and development initiatives coordinated with the Philippine Football Federation.

These programs focus on strengthening local leagues, improving coaching standards and expanding participation at the youth and community levels.

The combination of former national players engaged in grassroots work and administrators focused on organizational development has helped sustain Iloilo’s reputation as a football stronghold outside Metro Manila.

Barotac Nuevo continues to produce players, coaches and football advocates, reinforcing Iloilo province’s role in the broader Philippine football landscape.

Football clubs and training programs in the town have supplied talent to collegiate teams and semi-professional clubs, including those that competed in the former United Football League.

Barotac Nuevo has also served as a venue for coaching courses and provincial competitions, helping position Iloilo as one of the country’s key contributors to football development beyond Metro Manila.