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Tag: Patrick Gregorio

  • PSC chairman hails Alex Eala as Philippines’ new sporting icon, compares her to Manny Pacquiao

    PSC chairman hails Alex Eala as Philippines’ new sporting icon, compares her to Manny Pacquiao

    Alex Eala’s rapid rise on the international tennis circuit continues to capture attention, with the Filipina star earning praise from some of the biggest names and influential figures in Philippine sports.

     

    At just 21 years old, Eala has already established herself as one of the brightest young talents in world tennis, combining a remarkable junior career with a steady rise on the WTA Tour.

     

    Her journey has been defined by patience, determination and a string of historic achievements, with each breakthrough further cementing her status as one of the most prominent athletes in Philippine sports today.

     

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    Eala recently reached another landmark in her young professional career when she defeated World No. 3 and top seed at the Mubadala DC Open to capture the WTA 500 title.

     

    The victory delivered Eala her first WTA 500 championship and added another significant milestone to a career that has already seen her break new ground for Philippine tennis. The achievement also propelled her into the WTA singles Top 20, making Eala the first Filipino player in history to reach that elite ranking territory.

     

    Her continued success has extended well beyond the numbers and trophies.

     

    Eala has developed a growing following around the world, with Filipino supporters turning up in significant numbers whenever she takes to the court. From the Philippines to tournaments overseas, fans have embraced the young star and followed her historic rise with pride.

     

    Her growing popularity has also caught the attention of Philippine sports officials, who believe her influence could extend far beyond tennis.

     

    Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio has likened Eala’s growing cultural impact to that of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, another Filipino athlete whose achievements transcended sport and inspired an entire generation.

     

    “Si Senator Manny Pacquiao mismo ang nagsabi niya. ‘We have a new icon and we have a new Filipino champion,’ and that is Alex Eala,” Gregorio said in a media interaction.

     

    For Gregorio, Eala’s significance lies not only in the matches she wins or the rankings she reaches, but also in the influence she is already having on young Filipinos.

    Thousands of Filipino fans have flocked to the stands to watch Eala compete, regardless of where her international schedule takes her. Her growing popularity, according to Gregorio, is also encouraging more young athletes to pick up a racket and consider tennis as a sport they can pursue seriously.

     

    That impact is already beginning to be felt at the grassroots level.

     

    “The younger generation now is picking up the tennis racket and playing as well. And LGUs are starting to build more tennis courts. Mas maraming batang nagte-tennis, mas maraming magiging Alex Eala sa lalong madaling panahon,” Gregorio added.

     

    The growing investment in tennis facilities could provide an important boost to the sport in the Philippines, giving aspiring players greater access to courts and opportunities to develop their skills.

     

    Eala’s success offers young athletes a tangible example of what can be achieved through sustained development and international competition.

     

    Her own pathway illustrates the importance of early exposure to elite training. As a teenager, Eala moved overseas to continue her development at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, where she trained alongside some of the world’s promising young players.

     

    That experience helped prepare her for the demands of professional tennis and eventually paved the way for her breakthrough on the WTA Tour. Now, with a WTA 500 title and a place inside the world’s Top 20 already secured, Eala is no longer simply regarded as a promising prospect.

     

    She is becoming a genuine force on the international stage.

     

    Her rise has also given Philippine tennis unprecedented visibility. Every victory attracts attention at home, while her growing international fan base demonstrates the reach of her success.

     

    More importantly, Eala is beginning to inspire a new generation of Filipino players who can now see a pathway toward competing at the highest level of the sport.

     

    Her achievements have made her a source of national pride, but her influence could ultimately be measured by what comes after her.

     

    If Gregorio’s assessment proves correct, Eala’s greatest legacy may not only be the titles she wins or the rankings she reaches, but the number of young Filipinos who pick up a tennis racket because they saw what was possible.

     

    For now, Eala continues to write her own history on the WTA Tour.

     

    And with her rise showing no signs of slowing down, the Filipina star is rapidly evolving from a promising young player into one of the most recognizable sporting figures the Philippines has produced in recent years.

     

     

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  • PAGCOR chief throws support behind Patrick Gregorio’s Sports University vision

    PAGCOR chief throws support behind Patrick Gregorio’s Sports University vision

    Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio has unveiled an ambitious proposal that could reshape the future of sports development in the country, calling for the establishment of the Philippines’ first-ever Sports University under the University of the Philippines (UP) System.

     

    Gregorio introduced the vision during his commencement address to the graduating class of the UP College of Human Kinetics at the Varsity Training Center, where he urged one of the country’s most respected academic institutions to spearhead a transformative initiative that would elevate sports beyond competition and position it as a key driver of education, research, innovation, economic development, and nation-building.

     

    The proposal reflects Gregorio’s broader vision of creating a comprehensive institution dedicated to the advancement of sports in the Philippines. Rather than focusing solely on athlete development, the Sports University would serve as a center of excellence for sports science, coaching, physical education, sports medicine, nutrition, sports psychology, sports management, biomechanics, and high-performance research. It would also provide aspiring athletes with opportunities to pursue higher education while continuing to compete at the highest level.

     

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    Addressing the graduating students, Gregorio challenged the UP community to embrace a pioneering role in shaping the future of Philippine sports, emphasizing that sustained international success requires more than talent alone. He stressed the need to develop a complete ecosystem that nurtures athletes while also producing the coaches, trainers, researchers, administrators, and sports professionals who play equally vital roles behind the scenes.

     

    The proposal has already received strong support from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman Alejandro “Al” Tengco, whose agency remains one of the PSC’s largest funding partners through its legally mandated contribution to Philippine sports.

     

    Speaking during a recent event, Tengco endorsed the concept and expressed his willingness to work closely with the PSC to help turn the vision into reality.

     

    “It’s about time that our country creates a Sports University. Chairman Pato and I discussed how we can help each other beyond Pagcor’s monthly support to the PSC. I fully support the idea of building a sports university,” Tengco said.

     

    PAGCOR plays a crucial role in the country’s sports development program through its court-mandated five percent share of gross gaming revenues allocated to the PSC. The contribution amounts to nearly P400 million every month, translating to approximately P5 billion annually, making it the backbone of funding for national athletes, grassroots initiatives, training programs, and international competitions.

    According to Tengco, the increased financial support has helped fuel the country’s recent rise on the international sporting stage, where Filipino athletes have continued to deliver strong performances across multiple disciplines.

     

    However, he emphasized that funding alone does not guarantee success, pointing instead to the leadership and governance within the PSC as equally important factors behind the country’s sporting progress.

     

    “If you noticed, there are many Filipino athletes who have been winning lately. One reason is the funding from Pagcor – that’s our support to Philippine sports. But more than that, it’s the vision and governance of PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio. No matter how big the budget is, if you cannot allocate it well, use it efficiently, and it doesn’t reach the athletes the right way, there’s no use,” he added.

     

    Gregorio’s proposal arrives at a significant moment for Philippine sports. In recent years, the country has celebrated unprecedented achievements on the global stage, highlighted by Olympic, world championship, and continental successes across sports such as boxing, weightlifting, gymnastics, athletics, billiards, and esports. These accomplishments have underscored the growing potential of Filipino athletes while also exposing the need for stronger institutional support to sustain long-term excellence.

     

    A dedicated Sports University could address many of those needs by integrating elite athletic training with academic education and scientific research under one institution. Similar models have proven successful in countries with established high-performance sports systems, where universities serve as hubs for innovation, talent identification, athlete development, and coaching education.

     

    Beyond producing future champions, the proposed institution would also help professionalize careers in sports by developing experts in sports medicine, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, performance analytics, event management, sports governance, and sports technology. Such a multidisciplinary approach could strengthen every level of the Philippine sporting ecosystem while creating new career opportunities for Filipinos interested in the industry.

     

    Although the proposal remains in its conceptual stage and would require extensive collaboration among the UP System, the national government, Congress, and key stakeholders, it has already sparked discussions about the future direction of Philippine sports development.

     

    For Gregorio, the vision extends far beyond medals and championships. His proposal seeks to build a lasting institution that can produce not only world-class athletes but also the educators, scientists, coaches, administrators, and innovators who will shape the country’s sporting landscape for generations to come.

     

    If realized, the establishment of a Sports University under the UP System could become one of the most significant milestones in Philippine sports history, providing a sustainable foundation for excellence while reinforcing sports as a powerful instrument for education, national pride, and inclusive development.

     

     

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  • PSC chief Patrick Gregorio pushes for first-ever Philippine Sports University under UP system

    PSC chief Patrick Gregorio pushes for first-ever Philippine Sports University under UP system

    Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio has laid out an ambitious vision that could redefine the future of Philippine sports, proposing the establishment of the country’s first-ever Sports University under the University of the Philippines (UP) System.

     

    Gregorio unveiled the proposal during his commencement address to the graduating class of the UP College of Human Kinetics at the Varsity Training Center, where he challenged one of the country’s premier academic institutions to take the lead in transforming sports into a powerful platform for education, innovation, economic growth, and nation-building.

     

    Addressing the graduates, Gregorio shared what he described as a long-term dream not only for the University of the Philippines but for the entire Philippine sports landscape.

     

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    “My dream for Philippine sports is to build a proud nation. To this end, my dream for UP is to build a Sports University. A university that produces not only champions, but the coaches, scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, administrators, and innovators who make those champions possible,” Gregorio said.

     

    The proposal envisions a specialized institution that goes beyond producing elite athletes. Instead, it seeks to develop the entire ecosystem that supports sporting excellence by training future coaches, sports scientists, physical educators, sports psychologists, nutritionists, performance analysts, administrators, researchers, and entrepreneurs who can help elevate Philippine sports to international standards.

     

    Gregorio emphasized that sustained success in sports cannot rely solely on the talent of athletes. Rather, it requires a strong academic and scientific foundation supported by world-class education, research, and innovation. Through a dedicated Sports University, he believes the Philippines can create a sustainable pipeline of professionals capable of strengthening every level of the country’s sporting structure—from grassroots development to elite competition.

     

    To underscore the feasibility of his proposal, Gregorio pointed to several countries that have long invested in specialized sports universities as integral components of their national sports programs.

     

    Among the institutions he cited were Germany’s Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln (German Sport University Cologne), China’s Beijing Sport University, Russia’s Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health, and Japan’s Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU). These universities have become globally recognized centers for sports science, coaching education, athletic performance, research, and sports management, producing generations of Olympians, coaches, and industry leaders.

    Closer to home, Gregorio also noted that neighboring Southeast Asian countries have already embraced similar models. Thailand operates the Thailand National Sports University (TNSU), while Vietnam has established the Vietnam National University of Physical Education and Sports (VNUPES), both serving as national hubs for athlete development and sports education.

     

    By highlighting these examples, Gregorio stressed that the Philippines has an opportunity to join a growing list of nations that recognize sports as a strategic investment rather than merely a recreational pursuit.

     

    According to the PSC chairman, the proposed Sports University would generate benefits that extend far beyond the playing field. It would strengthen athlete development programs, professionalize coaching and sports education, promote research in sports science and medicine, encourage innovation in sports technology, and create new career opportunities within the rapidly growing sports industry.

     

    Gregorio also believes that the institution could serve as a catalyst for economic activity by supporting sports entrepreneurship, facility management, event organization, sports tourism, and related industries, ultimately positioning sports as a significant contributor to national development.

     

    Beyond medals and championships, he emphasized the role of sports in shaping national identity, inspiring the youth, and building stronger communities.

     

    Closing his message to the graduates, Gregorio challenged them to use their education to make a lasting impact on Philippine society, reminding them that their responsibility extends well beyond the classroom.

     

    “Gawin mong masaya ang atleta, magtatagumpay ang mga Pilipino. Your diploma is not the finish line. It is your starting block. Go where you are needed. Build athletes. Build communities. Build industries. Para sa kabataan at para sa bayan,” he added.

     

    The proposal comes at a time when the Philippines continues to seek ways to build on recent international sporting successes and strengthen its long-term sports development program.

     

    While still in the conceptual stage, Gregorio’s vision of a UP-based Sports University presents a bold blueprint for institutionalizing excellence in Philippine sports—one that aims to produce not only world-class athletes but also the coaches, educators, scientists, and leaders who will shape the future of the nation’s sporting landscape for generations to come.

     

     

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  • PSC commends ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championship as turning point for grassroots sports development 

    PSC commends ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championship as turning point for grassroots sports development 

    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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    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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  • PSC allots P20 million for Baguio sports development initiatives

    PSC allots P20 million for Baguio sports development initiatives

    The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has granted Baguio City P20 million to support its sports development programs and the ongoing rehabilitation of the Baguio City Athletic Bowl, further strengthening the city’s efforts to nurture future national athletes.


    PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio personally handed over the check, highlighting Baguio’s growing role as one of the country’s leading sports development centers. The funding will also complement plans to improve training facilities, including the proposed construction of a world-class football pitch at the Teachers’ Camp track oval within the next four months.

     

    The funding represents more than a facility upgrade. For the PSC, it is an endorsement of a city that has consistently embraced sports as a tool for community development and youth engagement.

     

    “This is not a donation because we just want to help. This is a donation because you are helping yourselves. This is a donation because you are an example of sports development in the Philippines,” Gregorio said.

     

    The commission’s support comes as Baguio continues to strengthen its position as a preferred training destination for athletes due to its high-altitude environment, which has long been utilized by elite competitors preparing for major international events.

     

    The proposed facility is envisioned as another step toward creating a comprehensive sports ecosystem in Baguio, where young athletes can access quality venues without leaving their home region.

     

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    According to Gregorio, the city’s commitment to sports development was a key factor behind the commission’s decision to provide financial assistance.

     

    “Ako po’y natutuwa kasi ang Baguio ay transformative city. The success of any transformation is conviction,” he said.

     

    The PSC chief emphasized that investments in facilities must ultimately translate into opportunities for young athletes, particularly those with aspirations of representing the country on the international stage.

     

    “Magtatag ng sports facilities para sa kabataan. Magtatag ng sports facilities para sa Olympic dream,” he said, describing what he believes is the commission’s most important role.

     

    For the PSC, the long-term goal extends beyond constructing venues. The agency hopes the funding will help establish a sustainable grassroots sports system capable of identifying and developing talent across the Cordillera region.

     

    With upgraded facilities, expanded training opportunities, and stronger local programs, Gregorio believes Baguio can play a major role in producing the next generation of national team standouts—and perhaps even future Olympians.

     

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  • PSC keeps focus on national team development amid PNVF governance issues 

    PSC keeps focus on national team development amid PNVF governance issues 

    With Philippine volleyball facing another period of institutional turmoil, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is choosing to redirect attention away from controversy and toward long-term national team development.

     

    PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio confirmed that issues surrounding the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) are now being handled at the international and Olympic governance level, effectively placing the matter under the jurisdiction of the FIVB and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). 


    The situation surrounding the PNVF has been placed under review by the FIVB and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), following reported governance concerns and internal issues within the federation. But for Gregorio, the priority is ensuring that the noise off the court does not disrupt the progress of the athletes representing the country.

     

    At the center of that vision is Alas Pilipinas and the broader national team program, which Gregorio believes must already be shaped with a long-term lens toward the country’s hosting of the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship.

     

    “Ang sa akin po, programa. We are hosting the World Championship in 2029. Before you know it, it’s 2029. Kailangan i-focus natin ‘yung suporta natin sa development ng mga atleta,” Gregorio said.

     

    His message reflects a broader attempt to stabilize focus amid ongoing controversy surrounding the PNVF, which has recently been suspended by the FIVB over reported “serious governance concerns and multiple purported violations of the FIVB Code of Ethics.” 

     

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    Adding to the instability is internal friction, including the reported withdrawal of support from a majority of the federation’s executive board for its leadership under Tonyboy Liao—an issue that has intensified calls for resolution and reform.

     

    Gregorio made it clear that the PSC will not be drawn into administrative disputes, emphasizing that governance decisions are already being addressed by the appropriate bodies.

     

    “I don’t want to comment on that because nandoon na po ‘yan sa FIVB and assignment po ‘yan ng Philippine Olympic Committee. Basta sa amin lang po, kami sa Philippine Sports Commission, gusto lang namin na talagang ang focus is on the national team program,” Gregorio said.

     

    He stressed that unity and focus are essential, especially given the scale of investment from government and private stakeholders.

     

    “Pag ganitong mga hosting, gumagastos po ang pamahalaan, gumagastos ang probinsya, maraming gumagastos na sponsors. So ayaw namin ng hidwaan, lalo na kung ang hidwaan ay tungkol lang sa mga personalidad,” the PSC chairman said.

     

    Even as national-level issues continue to unfold, Gregorio pointed to encouraging developments at the grassroots and regional level, particularly the ongoing 2026 AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City, which he described as an example of strong local hosting capability.

     

    “Obviously, talaga namang expected ko na ‘to — it will be a very beautiful hosting. Candon City, sila Mayor Eric Singson, sanay na sanay mag-host ng international events,” said Gregorio.

     

    The PSC chief also reaffirmed his intention to decentralize Philippine sports hosting, pushing more international and national competitions outside Metro Manila to strengthen provincial sports ecosystems and broaden public engagement.

     

    “Kailangan maramdaman din ng taumbayan, ng mga probinsiya natin, na kaya naman talaga nila mag-host e. Kayang-kaya. Sa totoo lang, excited sila. So we have to do more sporting events outside of Metro Manila in the years to come. Pangako ko po ‘yan as PSC chairman,” he said.

     

    In the middle of governance disputes and organizational uncertainty, the PSC’s message is increasingly centered on continuity over conflict, keeping the focus on athletes, and expanding the country’s hosting footprint.

     

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  • Philippine collegiate sports gets boost as NCAA introduces golf to sporting calendar

    Philippine collegiate sports gets boost as NCAA introduces golf to sporting calendar

    The National Collegiate Athletic Association (Philippines), the country’s oldest collegiate athletic organization composed of ten private colleges and universities in Metro Manila, continues to strengthen its role as a breeding ground for emerging Filipino sports talent with the expansion of its sports program.

     

    In a significant development for collegiate sports, the NCAA has officially added golf to its sporting calendar, further broadening a lineup that already includes disciplines such as gymnastics, weightlifting, and boxing. The move has been widely praised by key stakeholders in Philippine sports, including Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio, who expressed strong support for the initiative and signaled plans to replicate the model across other academic institutions nationwide.

     

    “This is not an easy process and not an easy exercise. Pero pinatunayan ng NCAA na gusto nila tulungan ang Philippine sports. This a new project of the PSC and the NCAA. So, let me thank the board of the NCAA. Bilib ako sa kanila by including gymnastics, boxing, weightlifting, and now golf. What the NCAA is doing is really commendable,” Gregorio said during a press conference.

     

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    He further emphasized the long-term vision of expanding sports development programs beyond Metro Manila, particularly into Visayas and Mindanao, as part of a broader grassroots strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s athletic pipeline.

     

    “Mahirap lang ‘yung simula but the PSC is very happy and we are supporting the efforts of the NCAA for sports to grow. Tuloy tuloy po ito. Talagang we will encourage them. Mga state schools and colleges – sports development. Yan po ang ginagawa namin,” he added.

    The announcement comes after the NCAA Management Committee (Mancom) formally revealed on Tuesday, April 14, the staging of a special collegiate golf tournament scheduled for May 20 at the historic Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. The event will feature participation from six to seven member schools, serving as a pilot competition ahead of golf’s expected full integration into the league’s official calendar in the coming years.

     

    According to NCAA Mancom chairman Melchor Divina of Mapúa University, the introduction of golf marks an important step in diversifying the league’s sports offerings and nurturing talent in non-traditional collegiate disciplines.

     

    “Magandang simula ito na with collegiate golf, gaganda pa lalo ang golf in the country. We can encourage more. Everything that we do here is for the good of the sport,” Divina said.

     

    He also confirmed that the league is targeting the full inclusion of golf as a regular sport within the NCAA program within the next two to three years, depending on the success of the initial tournaments and continued support from member institutions.

     

    To ensure the smooth launch and development of the sport at the collegiate level, the NCAA has partnered with the Pilipinas College Golf Series, an independent organization that has been instrumental in organizing golf competitions across the country. The collaboration is expected to provide technical expertise, tournament management support, and a structured pathway for student-athletes interested in pursuing golf competitively.

     

    With this expansion, the NCAA reinforces its commitment not only to traditional powerhouse sports but also to emerging disciplines, strengthening its position as a key driver of grassroots athletic development in Philippine sports.

     

     

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  • PSC urges athletes to avoid overseas travel amid rising Middle East tensions

    PSC urges athletes to avoid overseas travel amid rising Middle East tensions

    Growing tensions in the Middle East have begun to ripple into the world of sports, prompting the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to take precautionary steps to safeguard Filipino athletes competing or traveling overseas.

     

    On Wednesday, the PSC issued a memorandum advising national teams, athletes, and sports personnel to postpone non-essential international trips as uncertainty surrounding the regional conflict continues to affect global travel routes.

     

    PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said the advisory was prompted by concerns that the escalating situation could disrupt major transportation corridors and create safety risks for athletes traveling abroad.

     

    “In view of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and its potential impact on international air routes and transportation corridors, the PSC strongly discourages national teams, athletes, and sports personnel from undertaking non-essential travel abroad at this time,” said the agency’s chair Patrick Gregorio.

     

    According to Gregorio, the warning is not merely precautionary. Several Filipino national teams already overseas have experienced travel complications and are now receiving assistance from the commission as arrangements are being made for their return to the Philippines.

     

    “The evolving situation raises heightened safety and security concerns, including possible regional escalation, increased military activity, and rapidly changing security conditions, as already experienced by several teams abroad that are currently being assisted in arranging their return home,” said Gregorio.

     

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    One of the athletes currently in the region is Filipino tennis player Francis Casey Alcantara, who had been competing in the ATP Challenger 50 tournament in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. The event was cancelled after an oil zone fire broke out in Fujairah, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

     

    The PSC confirmed that Alcantara is among the athletes being closely monitored while coordination efforts are underway with Philippine diplomatic officials.

     

    Gregorio said the commission has formally reached out to the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the United Arab Emirates to seek guidance and assistance regarding Alcantara’s situation.

     

    In a letter addressed to Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, the PSC conveyed its concern for the safety of the Filipino tennis player and requested the embassy’s support in monitoring developments in the area.

     

    The commission added that it remains in constant communication with Alcantara to track updates on his condition and surroundings.

     

    “Should circumstances warrant, we likewise seek assistance in facilitating their safe and orderly return to the Philippines at the soonest possible time,” Gregorio said in a letter that was sent.

     

    With the situation still evolving, the PSC emphasized that it stands ready to work closely with Philippine embassies, athletes abroad, and other relevant authorities to ensure that Filipino sports personnel remain protected while competing on the international stage.

     

     

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