What unfolded over five days at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium was more than a national championship—it was, for Philippine sports leaders, a blueprint for the future.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio praised the successful staging of the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championship.
“The seamless organization of this championship shows how far Philippine athletics has come. Patafa has proven that with vision and discipline, we can stage world-class events right here at home,” PSC Chairman Gregorio said.
The inclusion of an Under-20 division alongside the Under-18 and Open/Elite categories became one of the most significant developments of the meet, signaling a clearer pathway for young athletes transitioning to senior competition.
For Gregorio, the expansion represents a long-term commitment rather than a short-term adjustment.
He described the addition as a “bold investment in the future of our young athletes,” emphasizing how structured age-group competition can help bridge the gap between grassroots programs and elite international participation.
“Patafa has a very good, well-defined grassroots and talent identification program,” he added.
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MANILA, Philippines —Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio capped the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships 2026 presented by the Philippine Sports Commission with high praise and forward-looking plans, declaring the five-day… pic.twitter.com/WsrtJXJAyf
— The Manila Times (@TheManilaTimes) June 15, 2026
Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) president Terry Capistrano echoed that direction, stressing the importance of giving younger athletes more exposure to high-level competition.
He explained that the Under-20 category was introduced to ensure continuity in athlete development while preparing them for the demands of international competition.
Capistrano revealed a verbal agreement for a dual program between PATAFA and Korea Junior Athletics Federation (KJAF), which includes an open invitation for Filipino athletes to train at world-class facilities in Yecheon, South Korea.
“This partnership with Korea is a game-changer. Our athletes will gain access to world-class training environments, and in return, we strengthen ties with one of Asia’s most dynamic athletics programs,” Capistrano said.
PATAFA Secretary General Jasper Tanhueco further outlined the vision behind the collaboration, describing it as an exchange program designed to benefit both countries’ young athletes. Under the proposal, Filipino student-athletes will compete in Korea while Korean athletes are also expected to take part in competitions in the Philippines.
The momentum from the championship is expected to carry forward into future international hosting duties, with PATAFA set to stage the Asian Under-18 Athletics Championships in April 2027 at the same New Clark City venue following the National Open.
This year’s edition of the meet also highlighted its growing international footprint, drawing 1,015 athletes, including 95 competitors from nine countries—the United States, Canada, Samoa, Korea, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Chinese Taipei—underscoring the Philippines’ rising role as a regional hub for athletics competition.
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