The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) officially launched Dagupan as Pangasinan’s Regional Training Center for gymnastics and swimming, further expanding its nationwide effort to bring high-level sports development directly to local communities instead of concentrating resources only in Metro Manila.
The project represents a larger shift in Philippine sports — one focused on accessibility, grassroots development, and keeping young athletes connected to their hometowns while still receiving elite-level preparation.
Adding inspiration to the initiative, the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines donated gymnastics equipment that included apparatus previously used by two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo.
For young gymnasts in Dagupan, it was more than just new equipment. It symbolized the possibility that world-class athletes can emerge from outside traditional training centers.
The agreement formalizing the new hub was signed by PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio alongside PSC Commissioners Walter Torres and Matthew Fritz Gaston, Division Schools Superintendent Marciano U. Soriano Jr., and Dagupan Youth and Sports Development Commission head Finnela Sim.
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𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲: 𝗗𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹
On a solemn Maundy Thursday, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio conducted a surprise inspection of the Dagupan People’s Astrodome. pic.twitter.com/rHG7Zynhvh
— Philippine Sports Commission (@psc_gov) April 3, 2026
For Gregorio, the mission goes beyond infrastructure.
“We believe talent should be nurtured where it is found. By establishing Regional Training Centers, we ensure that children don’t have to leave their homes just to access world-class facilities. We bring the opportunities to them,” Gregorio said.
The PSC also plans to send national team coaches regularly to Dagupan to mentor both local athletes and coaches, helping ensure that the knowledge and standards used at the national level reach the grassroots.
“Our vision is to decentralize access to premium training. Every province deserves the chance to raise its own heroes and champions, without uprooting kids from their communities. You don’t have to come to us, we will go to you,” Gregorio added.
Dagupan quickly integrated the new center into its summer sports camp programs, where students are now learning the fundamentals of gymnastics and swimming during the school break using upgraded equipment many previously only saw in televised competitions.
According to Sim, the response from young athletes and families has been overwhelming.
“Marami ng interested sa gymnastics. Masaya kami dahil nabigyan kami ng equipment. Before we were just using rubber mats, now the kids can perform advanced skills … without needing to go to Manila,” said Sim.
Dagupan now joins a growing list of PSC-supported Regional Training Centers across the country, including facilities in Bukidnon for boxing, Siargao for surfing and beach rowing, Zamboanga City for weightlifting, Cauayan for rowing, and Candon City for archery.
The expansion is far from over as additional centers are already planned for Passi City, Tayabas, Ormoc City, General Santos City, and Bacolod City as PSC continues pushing for a more inclusive national sports system.
Rather than waiting for future champions to arrive in Manila, Philippine sports authorities are now betting that the next generation of elite athletes may already be training in the provinces.
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