Cebu Sports Awards 2026 Set to Honor Four Decades of Athletic Achievement
As the calendar turns to February, the spotlight once again shines on the remarkable sporting talent emerging from Cebu. The Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC), in a longstanding collaboration with San Miguel Brewery (SMB), has announced the upcoming Cebu Sports Awards, scheduled for March 8, 2026. This prestigious event will celebrate the outstanding athletes, dedicated coaches, and exceptional teams who have left an indelible mark on the sports landscape over the past year.
A Milestone Anniversary for Cebuano Sports
This year's ceremony holds special significance as it commemorates the 40th anniversary of the awards, a landmark achievement that underscores four decades of unwavering commitment to recognizing Cebuano excellence in sports. The event will take place at the newly renovated Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu, providing a fitting venue for this historic occasion.
John Pages, the longtime president of SAC, emphasized the importance of this milestone. "This is a historic moment because we are celebrating 40 years of the awards. It's also a testament to the enduring partnership between SAC and SMC," Pages stated. "Apart from recognizing the top athletes, coaches, and personalities of 2025, we will also be honoring past Athletes of the Year and Sportsmen of the Year."
Recognizing a Wide Array of Sporting Achievements
The awards ceremony is expected to honor approximately one hundred athletes, coaches, and teams. The recognition will extend to those who have excelled in both national and international competitions, as well as individuals and groups whose inspiring stories and impactful programs have significantly contributed to the Cebuano sports community.
Reflecting on the previous year's honorees provides a glimpse into the caliber of talent celebrated. In 2025, the Rico Navarro Sportsman of the Year award was bestowed upon Jessica Honoridez, a table tennis patron and athletic director at the University of Cebu. Meanwhile, the Co-Athletes of the Year titles were awarded to Rubilen Amit, a four-time women's billiards world champion, and Melvin Jerusalem, the World Boxing Council minimumweight world champion.
Leadership and Organization Behind the Event
Assisting John Pages in leading this year's awards ceremony are key SAC officials, including:
- Emmanuel Villaruel (Vice President)
- Glendale Rosal (Secretary)
- Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (Treasurer)
- Jingo Quijano (Auditor)
- Mike Limpag (Public Relations Officer)
The broader SAC membership comprises dedicated individuals such as Edri Aznar, Richel Chavez, Calvin Cordova, Rick Gabuya, Iste Sesante-Leopoldo, Erwin Lirazan, Jun Migallen, Brian Ochoa, Jonas Panerio, Nimrod Quiñones, and Dong Secuya, all contributing to the success of this annual celebration.
As the event approaches, anticipation builds within the Cebuano sports community, eager to witness the recognition of their local heroes and the celebration of a rich legacy of athletic prowess.
