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Tag: Philippine Sports Commission

  • PSC backs Lanao del Norte’s grassroots sports push

    PSC backs Lanao del Norte’s grassroots sports push

    Lanao del Norte is stepping up its grassroots sports development efforts as the province looks to strengthen its training programs, improve athlete welfare and upgrade sports facilities with support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

     

    The Northern Mindanao province is also exploring the possibility of hosting the Mindanao Games in 2027, while working with the PSC on plans for a regional training center that could provide young athletes with better access to quality facilities and coaching.

     

    The initiatives are in line with the PSC’s renewed push to make grassroots development the foundation of the country’s sports program and build a stronger pipeline of athletes capable of competing at the national and international levels.

     

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    The PSC and the National Youth Commission held a two-day Sports Summit in Lanao del Norte from July 28 to 29, bringing together local officials, athletes, coaches and other stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen sports development at the community level.


    “With the support of national partners and local leaders, this summit serves a clear purpose: ensuring our youth leaders and athletes have a say in shaping future sports programs, strengthening grassroots training, coaching, and athlete welfare across every municipality, using sports as a driving force for peace, health, character development, and unity,” Vice Governor Allan J. Lim said.


    PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio emphasized that the commission is placing greater emphasis on identifying and developing athletes at the grassroots level, rather than focusing solely on athletes who have already reached the national or international stage.


    “The number one job of the Philippine Sports Commission now is grassroots. Before, people thought that PSC only comes in when an athlete wins in the Olympics or the Asian Games. But now, we are going down to the grassroots level,” Gregorio said.


    Gregorio also expressed the PSC’s full support for Lanao del Norte’s potential bid to host the Mindanao Games in March 2027.


    “Let’s organize the Mindanao Games and you can host it in March 2027. We will support you through funding from the Philippine Sports Commission,” he said.


    The Sports Summit also featured experts from the PSC, National Academy of Sports and Department of Social Welfare and Development, who shared their knowledge and experiences with young athletes, coaches and sports administrators.


    For local coaches, the event provided an opportunity to gain valuable insights while giving young athletes a glimpse of what could be possible with the right support and development pathway.


    “I was very happy that they came because it gives our young athletes a chance. My dream is for one of my gymnasts to be recognized and someday follow in the footsteps of Carlos Yulo,” said Miguelito De Vera, a gymnastics coach at Linamon National High School.


    As part of its grassroots initiative, the PSC also distributed sports equipment to local government units and schools, including badminton rackets, basketballs, footballs and volleyballs.

    The effort is aimed at giving young athletes greater access to the basic equipment they need to train, compete and develop their skills.


    With expanded grassroots programs, improved facilities and the potential to host the Mindanao Games, Lanao del Norte is positioning itself as an emerging hub for sports development in Mindanao.


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  • PSC backs Ormoc’s bid to host major sporting events

    PSC backs Ormoc’s bid to host major sporting events

    The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is intensifying its efforts to decentralize sports development across the country, with Ormoc City emerging as one of its key destinations for future national and international sporting competitions.

     

    Backed by significant investments in world-class sports infrastructure, Ormoc is positioning itself as a rising sports hub in Eastern Visayas. The city’s rapid transformation has caught the attention of the PSC, which is now exploring opportunities to bring major sporting events to the area, including the prestigious 2027 Batang Pinoy National Championships.

     

    PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio confirmed the commission’s interest during the Eastern Visayas Sports and Youth Summit, citing Ormoc’s expanding sports facilities and its commitment to athlete development as key factors in its growing appeal as a host city.

     

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    “We have many sports events lined up, and we hope to bring one to Ormoc in the future,” Gregorio said.

     

    “For Batang Pinoy, we will provide funding to ensure successful hosting. You will notice that 80 percent of our best athletes in our national teams are from the provinces. Our goal is to bring opportunities to them instead of requiring athletes to train in Manila.”

     

    Gregorio’s remarks underscore the PSC’s broader vision of strengthening grassroots sports by making high-level competitions and training opportunities more accessible to athletes outside the National Capital Region. Rather than concentrating resources in Metro Manila, the commission aims to empower provincial athletes by developing regional centers capable of hosting elite competitions.

     

    That vision aligns closely with Ormoc City’s long-term sports development strategy.

    The Eastern Visayas Sports and Youth Summit, currently being held in the city, serves as a platform to showcase Ormoc’s growing capabilities while encouraging collaboration among local government units, sports officials, coaches, and youth leaders. The summit also highlights the city’s ambition to become the premier sporting destination in Eastern Visayas.

     

    Representative Richard Gomez emphasized that sustained investment in sports infrastructure is central to achieving that goal.

    “We want Ormoc to be the sports epicenter of the region through proper infrastructure,” Gomez said.

     

    “We hope that through this development, we will be able to strengthen the region’s sports program over the next five or six years. We are here to share everything because we want other towns to step up. We are not sending out athletes without proper training and support.”

     

    Among the flagship projects is a PHP100-million track-and-field facility inside the new Ormoc City Sports Complex, which is expected to be completed by late next year. Once operational, the venue is expected to meet the standards required to host major national competitions while also serving as a high-performance training center for athletes from Eastern Visayas and neighboring regions.

     

    The track-and-field facility forms part of a much larger sports infrastructure program that has transformed the city over the past several years.

     

    Since 2022, the national and local governments have invested approximately PHP2 billion in the development of the Ormoc City Sports Complex. The sprawling complex now features a badminton center, padel courts, a skateboard park, and a convention center, creating a multi-sport destination capable of accommodating athletes across various disciplines.

     

    The investments reflect a growing recognition that quality facilities are essential to developing future champions while also attracting sporting events that can generate tourism, economic activity, and community engagement.

     

    Ormoc Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez also reaffirmed the city’s commitment to pursuing its ambitious vision, emphasizing that progress begins with taking decisive action rather than waiting for perfect conditions.

     

    “There is no perfect time. We only have now,” the mayor said.

     

    “If the dream is so big, you will always think you have to get everything right first before you begin.”

     

    With continued support from the PSC, national government agencies, and local stakeholders, Ormoc appears well on its way to becoming one of the country’s leading sports destinations. Should the city secure the hosting rights for the 2027 Batang Pinoy National Championships, it would represent another significant milestone in its transformation into a regional center for sports excellence and grassroots athlete development.

     

     

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  • PSC invites Timor-Leste to Tour of Luzon, Mindanao Youth Games to strengthen sports ties

    PSC invites Timor-Leste to Tour of Luzon, Mindanao Youth Games to strengthen sports ties

    The Philippines and Timor-Leste have taken another step toward strengthening their sporting ties after the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) invited the Southeast Asian nation to participate in two major events scheduled for next year—the Tour of Luzon and the inaugural Mindanao Youth Games in Lanao del Norte.

     

    PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio extended the invitation during a meeting with Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Marciano Octavio Garcia Da Silva, as both sides discussed expanding sports cooperation between the two countries.

     

    Gregorio emphasized that the initiative is about more than just competition, highlighting sports as a platform for youth development, cultural exchange, and regional unity.

     

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    “This is more than just competition. It is about building bridges, discovering talent and using sports as a platform for peace and development. Timor-Leste’s participation will enrich the Games and strengthen our ties as Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) neighbors,” Gregorio said during a media interaction.

     

    The Tour of Luzon remains one of the country’s premier cycling events, while the Mindanao Youth Games aim to provide young athletes with greater opportunities to compete and develop their skills. The PSC hopes Timor-Leste’s participation will further strengthen sporting relations within the ASEAN community.

     

    For Ambassador Da Silva, the partnership demonstrates the power of sports in bringing nations together beyond the playing field.

    “Sports is a universal language. By joining these events, Timor-Leste and the Philippines are not only competing but also sharing culture, friendship, and mutual respect,” he said.

     

    Beyond competition, the PSC is also exploring long-term collaboration with Timor-Leste through sports development programs. Among the areas being discussed are Arnis, the Philippines’ national martial art, and football, the most popular sport in Timor-Leste.

     

    “Arnis represents our heritage, while football is deeply rooted in Timorese culture. By sharing expertise, we can learn from each other and elevate both sports across our nations,” Gregorio added.

     

    To formalize the partnership, the PSC is working with the Department of Foreign Affairs to establish a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries. The agreement is expected to create a framework for sustained cooperation in athlete development, coaching exchanges, and sports administration.

     

    “This agreement will institutionalize our cooperation. It will ensure continuity, sustainability, and shared growth in sports development,” Gregorio said.

     

    The partnership comes as Timor-Leste continues to strengthen its presence within ASEAN after officially becoming the organization’s 11th full member on October 26, 2025. The country is also preparing to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029.

     

    “As we prepare for our ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029, partnerships like this with the Philippines will help us showcase our identity and strengthen our role in the region,” Da Silva said.

     

    With both nations looking to expand cooperation beyond competition, the initiative highlights the growing role of sports diplomacy in fostering regional collaboration and creating new opportunities for athletes across Southeast Asia.

     

     

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  • PSC, NCFP launch grassroots chess program to develop future Filipino Grandmasters

    PSC, NCFP launch grassroots chess program to develop future Filipino Grandmasters

    The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) are joining forces to strengthen the country’s grassroots chess development and create a clearer pathway for young talents aspiring to become future Grandmasters.

     

    The two organizations have partnered to establish the Batang Pinoy Chess Henyo Grassroots Program, a long-term development initiative designed to identify, support, and train some of the Philippines’ most promising young chess players. The program aims to provide these rising talents with structured coaching, competitive exposure, and the necessary foundation to eventually represent the country at the highest levels of international chess.

     

    NCFP chief executive officer Jayson Gonzales confirmed that the program will officially begin on August 1 and will feature 36 young chess standouts from across the country. The participants—12 each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—earned their places through regional qualifiers and will now undergo a comprehensive training program focused on improving their skills and preparing them for future international competitions.

     

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    The initiative represents a major step in Philippine chess development, as it seeks to build a stronger pipeline of young players who can carry the country’s flag in future national and global tournaments.

     

    “It marks a historic milestone in Philippine grassroots chess development that would lay the foundation for the country’s future national athletes,” Gonzales said.

     

    The launch of the program comes after discussions involving key officials from both organizations. PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, NCFP president Butch Pichay, and Gonzales recently met with PSC commissioner Ed Hayco to finalize the implementation details and ensure the successful rollout of the project.

    For Gonzales, who is also a Grandmaster and serves as the coach of the national women’s chess team, the program represents an important investment in the future of Philippine chess. He believes that providing young players with proper guidance and development opportunities at an early age will help them maximize their potential and eventually compete on the international stage.

     

    The Batang Pinoy Chess Henyo Grassroots Program will feature young players from the boys and girls categories in the 5-8 and 9-11 age brackets, giving them access to a structured system aimed at developing both their technical abilities and competitive mindset.

     

    From Luzon, the selected young chess talents are Aaliyan Borden, Alyiah Beltran, Hahn Tee, Gael Navarro, Mark Albert, Orion Paredes, Sofia Saludares, Althea Paredes, Kate Garcia, Marius Constante, Neil Amatorio, and Clyde Torena.

     

    Representing the Visayas region are Frexine Lim, Elisa Johansson, Frida Bernal, Ivan Icalina, Terrence Donoga, Rybarage Entia, Rhian Salud, Lyrah Villareal, Ellysa Maru, Lance Bangero, Allen Albor, and Navi Icalina.

     

    Meanwhile, the Mindanao delegation is composed of Sabella Sy, Elisha Romarate, Eu Pepito, Magnus Carlsen Sanico, Carlsen Andres Hapitan, Yoseff Prada, Roshan Templa, Scarlett Donoso, Claudiah Fabrigia, Danny Romualdez, Aidh Munsing, and Levon Reyes.

     

    With participants coming from different regions of the country, the program also aims to promote wider access to chess development opportunities and ensure that promising players outside major urban centers receive the same level of support and training.

     

    The PSC and NCFP hope that the initiative will become a foundation for producing the next generation of Filipino chess stars, following in the footsteps of the country’s elite players who have competed successfully on the international stage.

     

    By investing in young talent at an early stage, officials believe the Batang Pinoy Chess Henyo Grassroots Program can help strengthen Philippine chess and increase the country’s chances of producing more Grandmasters in the years ahead.

     

     

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  • ‘Magnificent Seven’ set for Philippine Sports Hall of Fame enshrinement

    ‘Magnificent Seven’ set for Philippine Sports Hall of Fame enshrinement

    The Philippine Sports Hall of Fame will welcome its newest members in the fifth enshrinement ceremony on Saturday at the Philippine Sports Commission House, celebrating a group of athletes whose achievements helped shape the nation’s sporting history.


    The class, dubbed the “Magnificent Seven,” features Olympic boxing silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco, basketball icon Ramon Fernandez, Paralympics bronze medalist Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta of para powerlifting, tennis standout Cecil Mamiit, athletics star Isidro del Prado, and two-sport achievers Bea Lucero-Lhuillier of gymnastics and taekwondo, and the late Eduardo Alvir Pacheco of basketball and football.

     

    Their induction marks another milestone for the Hall of Fame, which continues to preserve the legacy of Filipino athletes who brought pride to the country on the international stage.

     

    The announcement of the seven inductees was made last April, with the original ceremony scheduled for May. However, the Philippine Sports Commission decided to move the event to ensure the athletes themselves could attend and personally receive the recognition.

     

    During the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the PSC media room, Anna Christine Abellana from the Office of Deputy Executive Director-Bureau on Coordinating Secretariat and Support Services explained why the ceremony was postponed.

     

    “He (Chairman Pato Gregorio) wants everyone to be here, that’s why we have to address the dates and invitations. So we even had to extend for a month para mahanap silang lahat,” she said.

     

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    The effort paid off, as all living inductees confirmed their attendance.

     

    Pacheco, who has already passed away, will be the sole inductee represented by his heirs during the ceremony. 

     

    Among the honorees, Mamiit’s attendance carries special significance. The 49-year-old former tennis star will travel from the United States to witness his own induction. A six-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and two-time Asian Games bronze medal winner, Mamiit remains one of the most accomplished Filipino tennis players in history.

     

    “He (Mamiit) has already confirmed, and he’ll be arriving on the 19th from the United States,” Abellana confirmed his arrival.

     

    The ceremony will be led by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio and Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos also delivering a special message.

     

    Aside from the honor of being inducted, each enshrinee will receive P500,000 and a specially designed Hall of Fame trophy created by Leandro Baldemor.

     

    The new trophy design will also be unveiled during the ceremony, marking a new visual identity for the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame.

     

    Jan Errol Facundo, head of the PSC Integrated Communication and Events Office, explained the significance of the new design.

     

    “The one they will be receiving will be the perpetual design of the (Hall of Fame) trophy. So magkakaroon ng bagong mukha ang tropeo ng Philippine Sports Hall of Fame. And it will be unveiled during the ceremony which will be another highlight of the program,” added Facundo.

     

    The event will carry a distinctly Filipino theme, with barong tagalog and Filipiniana elements incorporated into the venue branding and activities.

     

    “Our theme will be barong tagalog and Filipiniana and that includes the venue branding and other activations na gagawin sa loob ng ating venue,” said Facundo.

     

    For the organizers, the focus remains on the athletes and their stories.

     

    “We keep the program simple and meaningful kasi gusto ng ating chairman na ma-highlight ang ating mga enshrinees,” he said. 

     

    As the seven legends enter the Hall of Fame, the ceremony will serve as more than a celebration of medals and records, it will honor the perseverance and impact of athletes who helped define Philippine sports.

     

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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 forms multi-stakeholder panel following tragic loss of Ateneo basketball players

    PSC forms multi-stakeholder panel following tragic loss of Ateneo basketball players

    The Ateneo de Manila University community and the broader Philippine basketball landscape are mourning the heartbreaking loss of two promising student-athletes after men’s basketball players Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia died during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

     

    The tragedy, which occurred on Monday, June 8, has sent shockwaves throughout collegiate sports, prompting an outpouring of grief from teammates, coaches, sports officials, and basketball organizations across the country.

     

    According to the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3), initial reports indicated that Adili and Baterbonia were swimming when they were reportedly swept by strong currents into deeper waters. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and have urged the public to refrain from speculation while fact-finding efforts remain ongoing.

     

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    As the Ateneo community grapples with the devastating loss, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) expressed its condolences to the families, friends, teammates, and loved ones of the two young athletes while announcing measures aimed at strengthening safety standards in sports-related activities.

     

    In an official statement, the PSC confirmed the creation of a sports stakeholders’ panel that will work alongside ongoing investigations being conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

     

    “As the government agency mandated to provide leadership and direction in sports development and athlete welfare, the PSC is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigations and is convening a sports stakeholders’ panel to support the efforts of the Philippine National Police and the Department of Justice with the objective of establishing a clear, accurate, and comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired,” the commission said.

     

    The PSC added that the panel will include representatives from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the National Youth Commission (NYC).

     

    Beyond determining the circumstances surrounding the incident, the panel is expected to review existing safety protocols, policies, and training practices governing athletic programs nationwide.

     

    “The goal is not only to understand what happened, but to ensure that lessons learned lead to safer, more responsive systems that protect athletes while sustaining high-performance sport,” the PSC stated. “Excellence in sport requires environments that push human potential, but never at the expense of safety.”

     

    The loss is particularly painful for Ateneo basketball because both players represented different generations of the Blue Eagles program and embodied the future of the storied collegiate powerhouse.

     

    Adili, 21, had already begun making his mark in the UAAP and was viewed as one of the team’s most promising young frontcourt players. During UAAP Season 88, the athletic forward appeared in 11 games, averaging 8.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per contest.

     

    His energy, rebounding ability, and steady development had earned him increased responsibilities within the Ateneo system. Coaches and teammates viewed him as a key piece of the program’s future as the Blue Eagles continued their rebuilding efforts in one of the country’s most competitive collegiate leagues.

    For many Ateneo supporters, Adili represented the type of homegrown talent capable of developing into one of the UAAP’s standout big men in the coming seasons.

     

    Baterbonia, meanwhile, was only beginning his collegiate basketball journey.

     

    The 19-year-old prospect had yet to make his UAAP debut but was widely regarded as an exciting addition to Ateneo’s roster. Just weeks before the incident, he represented Davao in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa held in Agusan del Sur, further showcasing his potential as one of the country’s emerging young talents.

     

    Baterbonia had been expected to join the Blue Eagles lineup for UAAP Season 89 later this year, making his passing an especially heartbreaking loss for a player whose collegiate career was only just beginning.

     

    Though they were at different stages of their basketball development, Adili and Baterbonia shared a common goal: to wear the Ateneo jersey with pride and contribute to the continued success of one of Philippine collegiate basketball’s most decorated programs.

     

    In the wake of the tragedy, messages of sympathy and support poured in from across the Philippine sports community.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas expressed its condolences and pledged assistance to those affected by the incident.

     

    “As the National Sports Association for basketball, the SBP has been in communication with the university’s basketball officials to determine what assistance may be needed, with particular attention given to those most affected by this tragic incident,” the federation said in a statement.

     

    The UAAP also joined in mourning the loss of the two student-athletes, recognizing the profound impact their deaths have had not only on Ateneo but on the collegiate sports community as a whole.

     

    For many within Philippine basketball, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that student-athletes are more than competitors on the court. They are young individuals pursuing their dreams while balancing the demands of academics, athletics, and personal growth.

     

    As investigations continue, Ateneo, the UAAP, the SBP, and the wider sporting community now face the difficult task of honoring the memories of Adili and Baterbonia while working toward measures that can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

     

    For now, however, the focus remains on remembering two young lives lost far too soon.

    Adili leaves behind a growing legacy as a talented collegiate player whose best basketball years still lay ahead. Baterbonia leaves behind the promise of a future that was only beginning to unfold.

     

    Together, they will be remembered not only for their potential on the basketball court but also for the impact they made on teammates, coaches, friends, and the communities they represented.

     

    Their deaths have left an immeasurable void within the Ateneo family and the Philippine basketball community, one that will be felt long after the final buzzer sounds.

     

     

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  • PSC, Manila secure presidential backing for Rizal Memorial Stadium rehabilitation

    PSC, Manila secure presidential backing for Rizal Memorial Stadium rehabilitation

    Philippine sports officials have received a significant boost in their long-term infrastructure plans after Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio and Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Rizal Memorial Stadium on June 3 to discuss the ongoing rehabilitation and transformation of the historic sports complex.

     

    The high-level meeting focused on the modernization of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, one of the country’s most iconic sporting venues, with the government reaffirming its commitment to upgrading facilities to meet international standards. According to Gregorio, President Marcos Jr. has already given his approval for the project, which is now targeted for completion by 2028.

     

    “Kahit busy si Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, nabigyan pa din po si chairlam Pato at Mayor Isko ng pagkakataon na magbahagi ng updates sa joint efforts ng PSC at Manila tungkol sa transformation ng Rizal Memorial Sports Complex,” Gregorio said to the media, highlighting the President’s willingness to engage despite a packed schedule.

     

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    He added that the President expressed enthusiasm for the project and emphasized the importance of delivering a modern, world-class sporting hub for Filipino athletes and fans alike.

    “The president is very excited. Looking forward to finishing this transformation by 2028 – with the hard work and commitment of all,” Gregorio added.

    The planned redevelopment of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex is expected to be a major milestone in Philippine sports infrastructure. The project has also gained support from several key partners in both the public and private sectors, including SM Prime Holdings, FIFA, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), the Baseball Federation of Asia, and PABA/Philippine Baseball, signaling a broad-based collaboration aimed at elevating the country’s sporting landscape.

     

    Once completed, the upgraded complex is envisioned to serve as a premier venue for both local and international competitions, while also providing enhanced training facilities for national athletes across multiple disciplines.

     

    Beyond the Rizal Memorial project, Gregorio has also been actively working on broader sports development initiatives nationwide. Recently, he led an inspection of the proposed Antonio Ledesma Sports Center (ALC Sports Center) in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, another key infrastructure project aimed at strengthening grassroots sports programs in the country.

     

    The proposed ALC Sports Center is expected to span more than 3,000 square meters and is envisioned to function as a National Training Center. It will feature facilities designed for a range of sports, including baseball, gymnastics, archery, and potentially tennis, reflecting the PSC’s push for multi-sport accessibility and long-term athlete development.

     

    According to the PSC, the facility is also expected to play a crucial role in coach education, talent identification, and grassroots program expansion, helping to build a stronger pipeline of future Filipino sports champions.

     

    With multiple projects now moving forward under government and private sector collaboration, Philippine sports officials are hoping that these developments will mark a new era for athletic excellence and infrastructure development in the country, positioning the Philippines as a stronger contender in regional and international competitions.

     

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  • Philippine Sports Commission grassroots initiative breaks barriers, making golf accessible to all Filipino youth 

    Philippine Sports Commission grassroots initiative breaks barriers, making golf accessible to all Filipino youth 

    The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), in partnership with the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP), officially launched its grassroots initiative “Fairways to the Future”, signaling a nationwide push to develop young Filipino golfing talent from the ground up.


    At the center of the program is a clear goal, to remove barriers that have historically kept golf out of reach for many Filipino youth.

     

    Under the initiative, 20 partner golf clubs across the country will open their doors to players aged 18 and below, including students from public schools, out-of-school youth, and children of caddies and maintenance workers.

     

    The launch was marked by a press conference and an 18-hole tournament featuring promising young Filipino golfers, alongside key stakeholders from participating clubs who will help implement the program moving forward.

     

    PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, who is leading the initiative with NGAP head Al Panlilio, emphasized that the program is about changing long-held perceptions of the sport.

     

    “This program will prove that golf is for everyone. No barriers. Walang hadlang,” Gregorio said.

     

    Gregorio also challenged the long-standing notion that golf is reserved only for elite circles.

     

    “We have long accepted the narrative that golf is exclusive, confined strictly to private clubs, wealthy communities, and elite circles. We all know that is not true. So today, alongside NGAP, the Philippine Sports Commission is here to break that barrier, quote-unquote barrier, down once and for all,” he said.

     

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    Beyond access, the program is designed to build a long-term talent pipeline that could eventually produce international-level Filipino golfers. It also forms part of a wider PSC vision of expanding grassroots development programs across multiple sports disciplines.

     

    For Gregorio, the effort is about opportunity as much as competition.

     

    “That is why we call it ‘Fairway to the Future.’ It should serve as a pathway for children who want to play golf but do not have the means. We believe that there’s talent outside of the exclusive courses. Hindi lang pang mayaman ang golf. Golf is for everyone,” Gregorio explained.

     

    The initiative will also maximize the use of public and military-linked golf facilities, including courses in Intramuros, Villamor Air Base, Camp Aguinaldo, and the Philippine Navy, along with several others nationwide, all opening their doors to young golfers.

     

    The nationwide rollout of “Fairways to the Future” is set to begin next month, marking what organizers hope will be a turning point in how golf is introduced, taught, and developed across the Philippines.

     

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  • Philippine Sports Commission expands regional training network with gymnastics and swimming center in Dagupan 

    Philippine Sports Commission expands regional training network with gymnastics and swimming center in Dagupan 

    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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    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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