AGS fencers Ibarra, Almiranez rack up national honors and gold medals

Two young Ateneo de Manila Grade School student athletes delivered an impressive string of podium finishes and national recognitions, capping off a remarkable season in Philippine fencing.

PFA National Ranking Awards

On 14 February 2026, Liam Ibarra (6-Bellarmine) and Roman Almiranez (4-Humabon) were honored at the Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) National Ranking Awards held at the Amoranto Sports Complex. The ceremony recognized outstanding fencers from across the country who demonstrated excellence, consistency, and dedication throughout the competitive season.

Liam earned an impressive 3rd overall ranking among 42 competitors in the Under-12 Men’s Foil category in the 2025 PFA National Rankings. Delivering strong and consistent results across all three ranking legs, he secured his place among the nation’s top young fencers. He also placed 8th in the Under-14 Men’s Foil National Ranking, underscoring his ability to compete successfully beyond his age group.

Roman was likewise recognized for his achievements, ranking 4th in the Under-10 Men’s Foil category and finishing among the top four awardees in the 2025 PFA National Rankings.

The PFA National Ranking for Minime (young athletes) is determined through three ranking legs, where fencers accumulate points based on their performances in multiple national competitions.

Beyond the rankings, both boys continued to shine in recent tournaments.

Estudio de Espada Fencing League

Liam captured Gold in the Under-12 Men’s Foil at the 1st Estudio de Espada Fencing League on 1 February 2026. At the same event, Roman secured Gold in the Under-10 Men’s Foil category on 31 January 2026.

Excalibur Fencing Tournament

They followed this with stellar performances at the Excalibur Fencing Tournament on 22 February 2026. Liam claimed Gold in the Under-12 Men’s Foil and Bronze in the Under-14 Men’s Foil, while Roman earned another Gold medal in the Under-10 Men’s Foil category.

Southridge Admirals International Fencing Championship

Earlier in the season, Roman also competed at the Southridge Admirals International Fencing Championship on 24 January 2026, where he won Bronze in the Under-10 Men’s Foil category.

Through discipline, perseverance, and passion for the sport, Liam and Roman have distinguished themselves as two of the country’s most promising young fencers, embodying excellence, sportsmanship, and dedication in athletics.