Ilocos Norte baseball player to represent Philippines in Japan tournament

Gerick Jhon Flores, an 11-year-old Grade 6 student from Maglaoi Elementary School in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, is the only Ilokano in the Philippine team set to represent the country at the 11th Baseball Federation of Asia (BFA) U12 Championships in Matsuyama, Japan, from November 23 to 29, 2024.

The BFA, established in 1954, governs baseball across Asia, including countries such as the Philippines, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It also organizes the biennial Asian Baseball Championship, which serves as an Olympic qualifier when held in the year preceding the Summer Games.

Flores has been training at the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research under the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) since 2022. He has also competed in notable regional and national-level events, such as the Philippine Series Little League North Luzon, the Philippine Series Little League National Finals, and twice at the Palarong Pambansa.

Despite his small stature, Flores stood out among 270 qualifiers nationwide, earning a spot on the Under-12 Philippine Baseball Team, which consists of only 17 players.

PGIN, through its Ilocos Norte Sports Development Office, will provide full support to Flores, including financial assistance, as he competes internationally.

Flores expressed his honor in representing his country, saying, "It is good to be part of the Philippine Team to show that we, from [Ilocos Norte], are capable."

Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc continues to support the development of young athletes as the province strives to become the Sports Hub of Northern Luzon, developing sports facilities and athlete development programs, and creating more opportunities for athletes like Flores to thrive on both national and international stages.