Marc Hayahay (#99) of Adamson University in action during their UAAP Season 88 matchup against Ateneo de Manila University. Photo courtesy of Kris Villaceran Photography Facebook page.
What began as an afternoon pastime in TADECO has grown into a cultivated talent ready for the international stage. Panabo’s own Marc Hayahay shined as he joined the Philippine Men’s U17 National Football Team for the ASEAN U17 Boys’ Championship 2026 in Indonesia.
Hayahay, a full-scholarship recipient, earned his spot on the Adamson University Juniors Football Team after a rigorous tryout held in 2025—a program made possible through the partnership of Adamson University (AdU) with Damosa Land, Inc. (DLI), Don Antonio Floirendo Sr. Foundation (AOF Foundation), and PhilTec.
Less than a year after chasing his dream of stepping onto the UAAP stage, Hayahay not only achieved that goal but also propelled his football career to new heights, earning recognition on the international stage.
“Wala ko nag dahom na gi dungog sa ginoo akong mga pag ampo na maka apil sa Philippine Team og UAAP… Isa lng ko ka Bata nga nangandoy ani nga mga opportunity,” said Hayahay.
[I didn’t expect that God would answer my prayers to be part of the Philippine Team and the UAAP… I’m just a kid who dreamed of opportunities like this.]
The football legacy runs strong in the Hayahay family. Marc joined his older brother, Lee Christian Hayahay, on the Adamson University Juniors Football Team—following the same path the latter took in 2024, when he secured his AdU scholarship through the same partnership. Their journey is a remarkable story of talent, grit, and family pride.
“Sa kadaghan sa nag-tryout sa Davao, nagpasalamat gyud mi dako nga naapil mi sa napilian nga makadula diri,” the younger Hayahay added.
[Out of the many students who joined the tryout in Davao, we are truly grateful to have been chosen among those selected to play here]
“Dako kaayo among pasalamat sa Damosa Land, ilabi na kang Sir Cary Lagdameo, ug sa among Mama, Papa, ug tibuok pamilya nga nag-suporta sa amoa. Kay kung dili tungod sa ila, dili gyud mi makaabot ani nga oportunidad. Nagpasalamat pod ko sa akong mga coaches kay kung dili pod tungod nila, dili ko makabalo aning soccer.”
[We are deeply grateful to Damosa Land, especially to Sir Cary Lagdameo, as well as to our mother, father, and our entire family for supporting us. Without them, we would not have reached this opportunity. I am also thankful to my coaches, because without them, I would not have learned how to play soccer.]
Marc Hayahay’s selection is more than a personal triumph—it is a testament to the rising pool of homegrown Mindanao athletes making waves on the global stage, and a reflection of Damosa Land, Inc. and the AOF Foundation’s continued commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of youth achievers.
“It’s always inspiring to see our local talents from Mindanao continue to grow and make us proud,” said Ricardo Floirendo Lagdameo, president of Damosa Land. “Stories like Marc’s remind us why we do what we do—to support and create opportunities for grassroots talents. More than bringing pride to Mindanao, it’s about seeing these young individuals carry forward their families’ aspirations and dreams.”
“Ako ug akong Kuya, maningkamot mi na makahuman sa among pag-eskwela ug makab-ot ang among pangandoy nga mahimong PLAYER sa UAAP og PHILIPPINE TEAM,” Hayahay pledged.
While representing the Philippines in Indonesia, the student-athlete was also named Rookie of the Year in the Boys’ Football category at the 88th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
As the ASEAN U17 Championship concludes, the team may not have advanced further in the competition, but their journey remains a powerful testament to how talent, hard work, and grassroots development can come together in shaping young athletes. More importantly, their experience on the regional stage stands as a promising foundation for future growth for both the players and the program that continues to nurture them.
