University of Batangas (UB) grade schooler Ryu M. Garcia, from Grade 4 – Hidalgo section, captured two gold awards in the 8-9 Years Old Advanced Kata and Advanced Kumite divisions at the Batangas Karate Open 2026 on June 13, 2026 at the UB Millennium Campus.
The victory marks a significant progression for Garcia, who translated his previous competitive experiences into a double-gold performance on his home mats. By hosting this regional tournament, UB establishes itself as a premier incubator for grassroots sports, providing provincial athletes with elite competitive exposure without requiring costly travel to the capital region.
This athletic milestone supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being. Specifically, the tournament advances SDG Target 3.4, which promotes physical health and mental well-being, directly corresponding to Indicator 3.4.1 by reducing long-term health risks through active lifestyles.
Locally, the event tackles the lack of accessible sports infrastructure in Batangas province, which often limits rural youth from pursuing competitive athletics. Garcia’s dual victory inspires the local community to utilize school-based athletic programs to combat youth lethargy and build community resilience through martial arts discipline.