 Pass It Back youth Gerald Belano, Lawrence Laus, Roman Teodoro, and Vhinjie Bataller (right) at the 2026 PRFU 7s Leg 1. by Mark Villamora Four Pass It Back youth players joined the Albay Bulkans 7s team and helped the squad finish third in the Men’s Development Division after defeating the Manila Carabaos, 22-10, at the 2026 PRFU 7s Leg 1 held at PhilSports Complex on August 22. Travelling all the way from Albay, Vhinjie Bataller, Roman Teodoro, Lawrence Laus, and Gerald Belano made their PRFU 7s debut.  Albay Bulkans close out PRFU 7s Leg 1 with a 22-10 victory over the Manila Carabaos. Bulkans' Homegrown Player Vhinjie Bataller started playing rugby with the Albay Bulkans at the age of 12.  Twelve-year-old Vhinjie Bataller playing rugby during the 2019 SKF Touch and Tackle Tournament. After the pandemic, he was introduced to the Pass It Back program. At first, he thought he would simply captain a team, but he eventually became a coach in the program, teaching T1 rugby and life skills to fellow players Roman Teodoro, Lawrence Laus, and Gerald Belano. “Nung una, akala ko po magka-captain lang po ako ng team, pero iyon po, naging coach po ako ng Pass It Back,” said Vhinjie. For Vhinjie, the lessons he learned while coaching Pass It Back continue to help him as he transitions to full-contact Rugby 7s. He emphasized the importance of resilience, knowing that unlike T1 rugby, full-contact rugby would involve more physical challenges. “Ibang-iba na po kapag full contact rugby, talagang kailangan mo ng resiliency. Talagang matutumba at matutumba ka, pero ang importante ay kung paano ka babangon pagkatapos nun.”  Albay Bulkans’ Vhinjie Bataller attempts a conversion during the pool rounds against Manila Hapons. Double Training with Pass It Back and Albay Bulkans When Roman Teodoro learned about the Pass It Back recruitment at his school, it was the opportunity to learn the five rugby values that caught his attention. That was what motivated him to join the program. “Nung nalaman ko na matututo rin kami tungkol sa 5 rugby values, yun talaga yung nagmotivate sa akin para sumali,” said Roman. While learning T1 rugby through Pass It Back, Roman would stay after the sessions ended to join the Albay Bulkans’ full-contact Rugby 7s training. He had always wanted to experience full-contact rugby. “Wala akong masyadong naging adjustment sa full contact rugby, kasi pagkatapos po ng Pass It Back sessions, sumasali na rin po ako sa training nila [Albay Bulkans] nun.” Although he adjusted quickly to full-contact rugby, Roman emphasized how the value of integrity that he learned through Pass It Back continues to guide him. “Yung gagawa ka ng mabuti kahit walang makakakita. Kahit sa training po, may mga ginawa ako para mag-improve kahit walang nakakakita. Yun po yung masarap sa feeling.”  Albay Bulkans’ Roman Teodoro takes possession of the ball during the pool rounds against Manila Hapons. From Pass It Back to PRFU 7s Lawrence Laus and Gerald Belano are still taking in the experience of competing in full-contact Rugby 7s with the Albay Bulkans. “Dream team po talaga yung makasama dito,” said Gerald. Gerald was motivated to join after seeing the Pass It Back program’s recruitment at his school, while Lawrence became curious about the sport after being introduced to rugby. “Feel ko po ang interesting ng sports na rugby po nun kaya sumali ako, tapos ngayon naglalaro na po ako ng full contact 7s, slowly nakapag-adjust naman po,” said Lawrence. The two young players shared how the five rugby values remained in their minds as they competed in the PRFU 7s, having been repeatedly highlighted during their Pass It Back sessions.  Albay Bulkans’ Gerald Belano keeps his composure while maintaining possession of the ball as Manila Carabaos make a tackle during the pool rounds. Building the "Young Bulkans" The Albay Bulkans Development Team, together with their newly recruited Pass It Back youth players, will gear up for Leg 2 as they look to improve their standing in the PRFU 7s Series. Leg 2 is tentatively scheduled for September 12 at Alabang Country Club, Muntinlupa City. Albay Bulkans Founder and Coach Ric Bellen expressed his delight at seeing how his hard work paid off in training the four youth recruits even before they officially became part of the team. “They were just kids whom I trained back in Bacacay,” said Coach Ric, reflecting on how the four youths are now competing in full-contact rugby. “The Albay Bulkans will be open to accommodating Pass It Back youth as long as I’m still in leadership.” About Pass It Back Pass It Back is an integrated rugby and life skills learning curriculum designed by ChildFund Rugby to equip children and young people to overcome challenges, inspire positive social change, and ‘pass it back’ to their communities. Through play-based learning, young people gain critical social and emotional skills that build confidence, resilience, and leadership – both on and off the field. About ChildFund Rugby ChildFund Rugby, World Rugby’s Global Social Impact Partner, harnesses the power of rugby to drive positive social change, supporting children and young people in vulnerable situations to build leadership, resilience, and shape their own futures. About Philippine Rugby Football Union The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) is the governing body for the sport of rugby in the Philippines. Established in 1998, PRFU is dedicated to the development and promotion of rugby across the country, from grassroots to elite levels. PRFU oversees various rugby programs, competitions, and national teams, aiming to make rugby a major sport in the Philippines. For inquiries, please contact: [email protected] Comments are closed.
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