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Tag: Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

  • Carlos Yulo welcomes Ferdinand Marcos’ commitment to Philippine sports after SONA 2026

    Carlos Yulo welcomes Ferdinand Marcos’ commitment to Philippine sports after SONA 2026

    Philippine gymnastics superstar Carlos Yulo expressed his gratitude after attending President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying he was honored to witness firsthand the government’s renewed commitment to sports development and support for Filipino athletes.

     

    The two-time Olympic gold medalist was among the distinguished guests at the annual address held at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on Monday, July 27, joining lawmakers, government officials, diplomats, and other notable personalities for one of the country’s most significant political events.

     

    During his speech, President Marcos emphasized the growing role of sports in nation-building, highlighting how the success of Filipino athletes continues to inspire national pride while showcasing the country’s ability to compete on the global stage.

     

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    The President specifically recognized the achievements of tennis sensation Alex Eala and the Philippine women’s national football team, pointing to their international accomplishments as evidence that Filipino athletes can excel against the world’s best when provided with proper training, support, and opportunities.

     

    Following the address, Yulo took to Instagram to share his appreciation for being invited to the event, describing the experience as a privilege.

     

    “Isang karangalan po ang makadalo sa State of the Nation Address (SONA) ngayong taon,” Yulo wrote.

     

    The Olympic champion also welcomed the administration’s emphasis on sports, expressing hope that government initiatives would continue to create more opportunities for aspiring athletes throughout the country.

     

    “Nakakatuwa pong marinig ang pagbibigay kahalagahan sa sports at sa mga atletang Pilipino. Sana po ay magpatuloy ang suporta sa pagpapaunlad ng sports sa ating bansa, para po mas marami pang kabataan ang mahikayat na mangarap, magsumikap, at ipakita ang ating talento.

    “Proud to continue representing the Philippines. Para sa bayan,” he added.

    Yulo’s message resonated with many sports fans, as the decorated gymnast has become one of the country’s most recognizable sporting figures following his historic achievements on the international stage.

     

    Photos posted on social media showed Yulo interacting with several government leaders before and after the President’s address. Among those he met were House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Senator Risa Hontiveros, and other public officials, with the gymnast taking time to exchange greetings and pose for photographs.

     

    The invitation reflects Yulo’s growing stature not only as one of the Philippines’ most successful athletes but also as one of the country’s leading ambassadors for sports.

     

    His presence at the SONA comes at a crucial time as the Philippines continues to invest in grassroots sports development while preparing for several major international competitions over the next few years.

     

    On the sporting front, Yulo is expected to once again spearhead the Philippine men’s artistic gymnastics team in the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

     

    Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion-Norton has confirmed that Carlos and his younger brother, Eldrew Yulo, will lead the national squad in its bid for podium finishes at the continental showpiece.

     

    The Yulo brothers are expected to headline a talented Philippine delegation looking to build on the country’s recent success in international gymnastics, with Carlos carrying the experience and confidence gained from years of competing against the world’s elite.

     

    The artistic gymnastics competition at the 2026 Asian Games is scheduled to take place from September 21 to 25 at the Rainbow Hall of the Nagoya City General Gymnasium, where the Philippines hopes to once again contend for medals against Asia’s traditional gymnastics powerhouses.

     

    As preparations continue for another busy international season, Yulo remains one of the country’s brightest medal hopes. His appearance at the State of the Nation Address not only highlighted the growing recognition of Filipino athletes at the highest levels of government but also underscored the important role sports continue to play in inspiring the next generation of champions.

     

    With government officials reaffirming their commitment to developing Philippine sports and elite athletes like Yulo continuing to deliver on the world stage, the country’s sporting future appears to be on increasingly solid ground.

     

     

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  • Ferdinand Marcos hails Alex Eala, Filipinas as inspirations for Filipinos in SONA

    Ferdinand Marcos hails Alex Eala, Filipinas as inspirations for Filipinos in SONA

    Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored the growing importance of sports in nation-building during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), highlighting the achievements of tennis star Alex Eala and the Philippine women’s national football team while reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening sports development across the country.

     

    Speaking before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on Monday, July 27, Marcos pointed to the accomplishments of Filipino athletes on the international stage as proof that the country can compete with the world’s best when provided with the necessary support and opportunities.

     

    Among those singled out by the President was tennis sensation Alex Eala, whose rapid rise has made her one of the country’s most recognizable sporting figures and an inspiration to aspiring Filipino athletes.

     

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    Marcos expressed hope that Eala’s success would encourage more young Filipinos to participate not only in tennis but in sports in general, emphasizing the role athletics plays in promoting both excellence and healthy lifestyles.

     

    “Sa nag-uumapaw nating suporta kay Alex Eala, sana ay marami ang ma-engganyo para matuto at maglaro hindi lamang ng tennis, kundi ng iba pang sport. Mahalaga rin sa atin ang sports. Itinaas natin nang triple ang suporta natin dito. Hindi lamang dahil sa aliw na hatid nito, kundi para sa kalusugan,” Marcos said during his address.

     

    The President also revealed that government support for sports has tripled under his administration, reiterating that investment in athletics goes beyond producing champions and also contributes to improving the overall health and well-being of Filipinos.

     

    Eala has become one of Philippine sports’ brightest stars following a series of breakthrough performances on the international stage. Widely regarded as Southeast Asia’s top young tennis player, the 21-year-old continues to raise the country’s profile in world tennis through her historic achievements.

    Her most recent milestone came at Wimbledon 2026, where she became the first Filipino in the Open Era to reach both the third and fourth rounds of the prestigious Grand Slam tournament. The achievement further cemented her status as one of the country’s premier athletes and strengthened hopes that she can continue making history on the WTA Tour.

     

    Marcos also reserved special praise for the Philippine women’s national football team, popularly known as the Filipinas, after the squad secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

     

    The achievement marks the second consecutive edition of the tournament in which the Philippines has earned a place, following the country’s historic debut at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup—a landmark moment that significantly elevated the profile of women’s football in the nation.

     

    “Sa halimbawa ng Filipinas women’s football team, sana rin ay mas sumikat pa ang football sa ating bansa at marami ang maglaro. Balang-araw, baka makasali na ang Pilipinas sa World Cup,” Marcos added.

     

    The President expressed hope that the Filipinas’ continued success would inspire more young Filipinos to embrace football, with the long-term dream of seeing the country become a regular participant in football’s biggest international competitions.

     

    Following the President’s remarks, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) issued a statement thanking Marcos for recognizing the achievements of Philippine football on one of the country’s biggest political stages.

     

    “Lubos na nagpapasalamat ang Philippine Football Federation sa paghirang ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos sa Philippine football sa kanyang State of the Nation Address. Sama-sama nating iangat ang Pilipinas sa global stage ng football! Tayo naman, Pilipinas,” the federation said.

     

    The Filipinas are now preparing for another major international challenge as they turn their attention to the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Drawn into a difficult Group G, the Philippines will face regional powerhouse China, as well as Uzbekistan and Hong Kong, as they seek another memorable campaign on the continental stage.

     

    Marcos’ recognition of both Eala and the Filipinas reflects the growing prominence of Philippine sports in recent years. From tennis courts to football pitches, Filipino athletes continue to make significant strides internationally, and their achievements have increasingly become a source of national pride. With government support for sports receiving greater emphasis, the hope is that more young Filipinos will be inspired to pursue athletic excellence and carry the country’s flag onto the global stage.

     

     

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  • “You have made the Philippines proud”: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honors Alex Eala after historic Wimbledon run

    “You have made the Philippines proud”: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honors Alex Eala after historic Wimbledon run

    Alex Eala’s remarkable ascent on the international tennis stage has not only cemented her status as one of Southeast Asia’s brightest young sporting talents but has also sparked renewed excitement for tennis in the Philippines.

     

    Following another historic campaign at Wimbledon, Eala continues to break barriers and raise the profile of Philippine tennis on the global stage. Her impressive performances, growing list of milestones, and ability to compete against the world’s best players have earned widespread recognition while inspiring a new generation of Filipino athletes to pursue the sport.

     

    In a country where basketball and boxing have traditionally dominated the sporting landscape, Eala’s success has created unprecedented momentum for tennis. Her achievements have encouraged more young Filipinos to pick up a racket, while giving hope that the Philippines can develop more world-class players in the years ahead.

     

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    Among those following Eala’s journey is Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who welcomed the rising tennis star to Malacañang on Monday, July 13, to recognize her contributions and celebrate the pride she has brought to the nation.

     

    Marcos openly expressed his admiration for Eala, admitting that he considers himself a genuine supporter of the young athlete’s career.

     

    “I’m a fan, so I’m gushing okay? I’m sorry. I’m a real fan of yours. And one day, I hope I will have the opportunity to watch you, even if it’s not at a Grand Slam – at any tournament. Even just watching you practice would be enough,” Marcos said.

     

    During the ceremony, Marcos presented Eala with a presidential citation honoring her historic achievements and recognizing her impact on Philippine sports.

     

    The citation acknowledged Eala “in recognition of her historic achievements as the first Filipino woman to attain unprecedented success on the international professional tennis circuit, and demonstrating exceptional talent, perseverance, and unwavering determination.”

     

    Eala attended the special event alongside her family and team, including her mother, former national swimmer Rosemarie Maniego-Eala, her father Michael Eala, and tennis agent Carter Lin. As a gesture of appreciation, the young tennis star presented President Marcos with signed caps and tennis balls.

    Marcos also highlighted the significance of Eala’s accomplishments, emphasizing how her success has united Filipinos and showcased the country’s potential on the global sporting stage.

     

    “You know, we don’t actually have a protocol for any of this. We just made it up so we would have an excuse to take a picture with you. You have made the Philippines proud. You have reminded Filipinos what a great race Filipinos are because we produced someone like you.

     

    “We, all 110 million of us Filipinos, we are all behind you, willing you on to greater success. If there is anything that we can do to help you, just say so. You will have it,” he concluded.

     

    Eala’s latest achievements have placed her among the most successful Filipino athletes in international tennis history. At Wimbledon, she made history by becoming the first Philippine tennis player to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament.

     

    Her landmark run included a stunning victory over Poland’s Iga Swiatek, the reigning Grand Slam champion and then-World No. 3, marking one of the biggest wins ever recorded by a Filipino tennis player. Eala’s impressive campaign eventually ended in the fourth round against Italian star Jasmine Paolini, but her performance further established her as a legitimate contender on the global circuit.

     

    The breakthrough also translated into a historic rise in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, with Eala reaching a career-high World No. 28 — the highest ranking ever achieved by a Philippine tennis player.

     

    At just 21 years old, Eala has already achieved milestones that have transformed perceptions of Philippine tennis. With her continued development, international experience, and growing support from fans and institutions, she represents a new era for the sport in the country.

     

    More than just victories and rankings, Eala’s journey has become a source of national inspiration, proving that Filipino athletes can compete and succeed on the biggest stages in world sports.

     

     

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  • Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirms full government support for Philippine sports at 2026 Palarong Pambansa

    Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirms full government support for Philippine sports at 2026 Palarong Pambansa

    The 2026 Palarong Pambansa officially opened on Sunday, May 24, in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, marking the start of the country’s biggest annual multi-sport youth competition. The opening ceremony brought together student-athletes from 20 athletic delegations representing the 18 regions of the Philippines, along with contingents from the National Academy of Sports and the Philippine Schools Overseas, all set to compete across various disciplines throughout the week-long event.

     

    This year’s edition is being held at the newly refurbished Lipus Makapandong Democrito O. Plaza Sports Complex in Prosperidad Town, which will serve as the main hub for the competitions. Organizers expect a highly competitive tournament featuring around 10,718 student-athletes, underscoring the continued growth and nationwide reach of grassroots sports development in the country.

     

    The event was formally opened with national government representation, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was represented by Special Assistant Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr. In his message delivered through his representative, Marcos reaffirmed the administration’s strong commitment to supporting Philippine sports development at all levels, particularly among the youth.

     

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    Marcos emphasized that sports play a vital role not only in building physical strength but also in shaping character and discipline among young athletes. He highlighted how competition serves as a platform to instill values such as teamwork, respect, perseverance, and self-confidence—qualities that extend beyond the playing field and into everyday life.

    “Hindi lang para sa paligsahan, kundi upang ipagdiwang ang galing, talento, at sipag ng mga kabataang Pilipino. Kayo ang mga pinakamagagaling na student-athletes sa inyong mga paaralan,” Marcos said in a statement.

     

    The president also pointed to ongoing government initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s sports development pipeline. Among these is the “Grassroots to Gold” program, implemented through the Department of Education (DepEd) in coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), which is designed to identify and nurture young athletic talent from the grassroots level all the way to elite competition.

     

    Marcos stressed that sustained investment in youth sports is essential to building a stronger national sports program in the future, noting that early development and proper training environments are key to producing world-class Filipino athletes.

     

    He further urged all participating student-athletes to embrace the values of sportsmanship, humility, and respect throughout the competition. Beyond winning medals, he emphasized that the Palarong Pambansa serves as a formative experience where young athletes can grow, learn, and build lasting memories.

     

    “Sa ating mga kabataang atleta, ito ang hiling ko sa inyo: Mag-enjoy kayo sa paligsahang ito. Ibigay ninyo ang buong puso sa paglalaro. Lumaban nang may dangal at igalang ang kapwa ninyong atleta,” he concluded.

     

    With thousands of young athletes now gathered in Agusan del Sur, the 2026 Palarong Pambansa is expected to showcase not only athletic excellence but also the enduring spirit of Filipino youth sports, as competitors aim to shine while representing their respective regions and institutions on one of the country’s biggest sporting stages.

     

     

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  • Manny Pacquiao honored as ‘Champion of Humanity’ by Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

    Manny Pacquiao honored as ‘Champion of Humanity’ by Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

    Manny Pacquiao is widely regarded as the greatest sportsperson to emerge from the Philippines and one of the finest boxers in the history of the sport. His legendary status is defined by a remarkable list of accomplishments, highlighted most notably by his unmatched feat as the only eight-division world champion in boxing history—a milestone that continues to set him apart in an era of all-time greats. Across more than two decades in the ring, Pacquiao not only captured world titles but also earned the respect of fans and fellow athletes around the globe, cementing a legacy that transcends the sport itself.

     

    Pacquiao has received countless plaudits and honors throughout his illustrious career, and on Tuesday, February 24, he was bestowed yet another prestigious recognition — this time by Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

     

    A special handover ceremony at the National Sports Museum organized by the Philippine Sports Commission, saw Pacquiao personally present Marcos with a selection of his most iconic artifacts from his storied career. These included two pairs of competition shorts, a world championship belt, and other memorabilia that symbolize the milestones and battles of a career that has inspired millions both in the Philippines and across the globe.

     

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    “What can I say about Manny Pacquiao and his boxing career that hasn’t been said before? Because lahat – all the superlatives that can possibly be used, use the praise that can possibly be had by an athlete have already been heaped upon him and well deserved,” Marcos said.

    “And today, we are given the opportunity to be in his reflected glory. Dahil alam naman natin that – there is no other boxer – nalampasan mo pa pati si Muhammad Ali eh – there is no other boxer, there is no other athlete, for that matter, who gained the plaudits all around the world and of course in the Philippines,” he added.

     

    Marcos further revealed that Pacquiao has helped numerous boxers who are no longer fighting and don’t have jobs and that this is a side of the icon that not a lot of people know about.

     

    “Lahat ‘yun tinulungan ni Manny. Hindi niya sinasabi kahit na kanino. Kung hindi nila in-announce doon sa programa na ‘yun, nobody would know about it. Ganyan ang ugali, ganyan ang pagkatao ng ating Manny Pacquiao.

     

    “So, hindi lang siya champion sa boxing. He is a champion of humanity. He is a champion as a Filipino. He is a champion as a man. And he is a champion in all our hearts and he will always be our champion. He will always be our Filipino champion,” Marcos concluded.

     

    The artifacts will be preserved in the newly established National Sports Museum, which recently underwent a major modernization and refurbishment. With Pacquiao’s items now enshrined, the museum not only safeguards the tangible history of one of the world’s greatest athletes but also allows fans, students, and aspiring boxers to connect with the story of a man whose influence extends far beyond the ring.

     

    From his meteoric rise in boxing to his charitable works and his role as a symbol of Filipino pride, Pacquiao’s legacy continues to grow. The recognition as “Champion of Humanity” underscores the full breadth of his impact — a reminder that while championships and belts define the career of a sportsman, it is the character and heart behind the athlete that truly leaves a mark for generations to come.

     

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  • Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honors SEA Games athletes with additional cash incentives

    Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honors SEA Games athletes with additional cash incentives

    The Philippine contingent capped off an impressive campaign at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing home a remarkable total of 277 medals — 50 golds, 73 silvers, and 154 bronzes — to secure sixth place overall in the medal standings. Filipino athletes showcased exceptional skill, resilience, and determination across a wide array of sports, demonstrating once again the growing competitiveness of the country in the regional sporting arena.

     

    To honor the achievements of these athletes, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led a special recognition ceremony, dubbed “Parangal at Pasasalamat sa mga Bayaning Atleta,” held on Wednesday, January 21, at Intramuros, Manila. The event brought together approximately 500 Filipino athletes, coaches, and support staff who proudly represented the nation on the international stage.

     

    During the ceremony, Marcos Jr. personally distributed cash incentives to the medal-winning athletes, in accordance with Republic Act 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Incentives Act. Under the law, Filipino athletes are entitled to P300,000 for a gold medal, P150,000 for silver, and P60,000 for bronze. In a gesture of additional support and recognition, the Office of the President announced that these amounts would be doubled for each medalist, while every athlete who represented the country at the SEA Games received an additional P10,000.

     

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    Addressing the athletes, President Marcos Jr. expressed heartfelt appreciation for their sacrifices and dedication.

     

    “Batid nating walang katumbas na halaga ang iyong sakripisyo, ngunit tanggapin ninyo ito bilang simbolo ng pagpupugay at pasasalamat ng mamamayang Pilipino sa inyong kabayanihan,” he said, emphasizing the nation’s gratitude for their extraordinary efforts.

    The President also highlighted the role of sports in nurturing the next generation of Filipino athletes:

     

    “Ginagawa natin ang lahat ng ito upang hubugin ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng atletang Pilipino — mga kabataang may pangarap, may paniniwala sa sarili, at handang lumaban sa ngalan ng ating bandila,” Marcos Jr. stated.

     

    He further reflected on the importance of discipline and character-building in sports, noting that these values extend beyond athletic competition and shape the personal and professional lives of athletes.

     

    “Ang disiplina ay hindi lamang susi sa panalo sa loob ng arena. Ito ay humuhubog sa ating pagkatao — ang mamuhay ng may layunin, magsikap ng may kaulugan, at mangarap ng malinaw na direksiyon. At sa tuwing pinipili nating kumilos ng may disiplina, sama-sama nating binubuo ang isang bansa na hindi sumusuko — isang bansang patuloy na umaangat, nagpupunyagi, at umuunlad,” he added.

     

    The recognition ceremony not only celebrated the medalists but also underscored the government’s commitment to supporting Filipino athletes in their pursuit of excellence. By combining monetary incentives with national recognition, the Philippines continues to encourage its young athletes to dream big and strive for greatness on both regional and global stages.

     

    In addition to the medalists, coaches, trainers, and team officials who contributed to the country’s performance were acknowledged, reflecting the collaborative effort behind the nation’s success. The event served as a reminder that Philippine sports achievements are not only a source of pride but also a testament to the dedication, discipline, and resilience of its athletes.

     

    With the SEA Games now concluded, attention turns to upcoming international competitions and the continued development of sports programs aimed at producing world-class Filipino athletes who can compete on the global stage, fueled by the inspiration and example of the heroes celebrated at Intramuros.

     

     

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