Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Tag: Philippine Sports Commission

  • PSC unveils renovated Teachers Camp Track and Field Oval in Baguio City 

    PSC unveils renovated Teachers Camp Track and Field Oval in Baguio City 

    The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) officially inaugurated the newly renovated and refurbished Teachers Camp Track and Field Oval in Baguio City on Saturday, May 16, marking a significant step forward in the country’s ongoing push to upgrade grassroots and elite sports facilities across the nation.

     

    The revitalized athletics venue is expected to serve a dual purpose—providing a safer, more modern training ground for national athletes while also reopening its doors to the local community, encouraging broader public participation in sports and physical activity in the highland city.

     

    PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio led the ceremonial opening and underscored the broader vision behind the rehabilitation project, emphasizing both elite athlete development and community engagement as central pillars of the commission’s infrastructure program.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    “I’m very happy with the oval’s opening. There are two things. First, for the athletes who can run here again – the boxers, Muay Thai athletes, track and field. Second is the community. When President Marcos opened up Rizal and PhilSports, there were about two to three thousand people every night. We will do the same thing here in Baguio,” Gregorio said during the event.

     

    The reopening of the oval is particularly significant for national team members who have long dealt with limited or substandard training environments. Among them is two-time Olympic medalist and boxing standout Nesthy Petecio, who candidly recalled the difficult conditions of the facility prior to its rehabilitation and how it directly impacted athlete safety and preparation.

     

    “There were potholes, and whenever it rained, the flooding was bad, making it slippery and causing athletes to trip and get injured. I tripped here multiple times while sprinting,” Petecio said, reflecting on the challenges athletes previously faced while training at the venue.

     

    National boxing coach Reynaldo Galido also welcomed the improvements, stressing that the upgraded facility will play a key role in enhancing training quality and long-term athlete development. He noted that Baguio’s climate makes it particularly suitable as a high-altitude training hub for combat sports athletes preparing for international competition.

    “The track oval was very old back then. This change is a big help for us. It serves as an inspiration for our athletes to persevere even more in their athletic careers, while also allowing them to show the value of the support that the PSC provides.

     

    “We realized Baguio was the best place to establish a training center because of its climate. Since most of our boxing tournaments are held in Europe where it is cold, Baguio’s cold weather helps us adapt,” Galido explained.

     

    Beyond athletics and combat sports, the PSC is also advancing plans to further develop the surrounding sports complex into a more comprehensive multi-sport hub. Gregorio revealed that the commission is working in collaboration with the local government, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), and FIFA on the construction of a “world-class” football pitch within the same facility.

     

    According to Gregorio, the proposed pitch is expected to cost between ₱25 million and ₱30 million, with the goal of completing the project before the end of the year. Once finished, the facility is expected to significantly boost grassroots football development in the region.

     

    “The target completion is before the end of the year. Once we finish the pitch here, I expect thousands of children to play,” Gregorio stated, highlighting the PSC’s vision of transforming the venue into a community-driven sports destination.

     

    The PSC chairman also reiterated his broader development strategy of establishing regional sports training centers across the Philippines, tailored to specific sports based on geographic and environmental advantages. He pointed to existing initiatives such as rowing development in Cauayan, Isabela, where natural waterways have been utilized for training purposes.

     

    “We are really pushing for the development of regional training centers across the country. Right now, if you go to Cauayan in Isabela, it is now a regional training center for rowing because of the Cagayan Rivers. My point is that provinces should no longer aim to build massive stadiums that end up unfinished. We should focus on a sport-by-sport basis instead.

     

    “Now that I have been here for 10 months, with about a year and a half left, it would be a waste of government funding if we do not fast-track this, every day or month we delay these programs and facilities, our athletes lose both confidence and skill,” he added.

     

    With the reopening of the Teachers Camp Track and Field Oval, the PSC hopes to set a model for sustainable, functional, and community-inclusive sports infrastructure—one that supports both elite athlete performance and the long-term growth of Philippine sports at the grassroots level.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • Philippines gears up to host 2026 Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships in June 

    Philippines gears up to host 2026 Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships in June 

    Manila is set to become the center of the SAMBO world this June as the Philippines prepares to host the 2026 Asia and Oceania SAMBO Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and supported by key sports officials, the tournament scheduled from June 23 to 28 is also a statement of intent for a nation pushing to expand its footprint in martial arts disciplines.

     

    The decision to bring the event to the Philippines reflects both recent success and long-term vision.

     

    The Philippines is expecting a strong turnout, as Philippine Sambo Federation Inc. President Paolo Tancotian noted that 29 countries and over 500 athletes are expected to be joining. 

     

    “Itong ating event kaya tayo napa-host dahil sa na-inspire tayo. In total we have 16 medals na yung nakuha natin sa Asia and Oceania. Yung tatlong gold medal courtesy kay Sydney (Sy) at yung pang-apat galing kay Aislinn Yap,” Tancotian said during a press conference on Thursday.

     

    Beyond medals, organizers see the tournament as a platform for growth, visibility, and national pride.

     

    “Yung gusto natin makita especially dito sa Philippines na manalo yung ating athletes. Hindi lang sa manalo, ma-promote din sports tourism sa ating bansa. And mapanood mismo ng ating kababayan yung ating sambo tournament,” the PSFI president added.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Leading the Philippine charge is former world No. 1 and three-time Asian champion Sydney Sy, who will headline a 30-athlete national delegation—one of the largest contingents the country has ever fielded in the sport.

     

    “Sa 10 years lang po ng Pilipinas Sambo, we are able to host a prestigious event. Major, major event po ito for us. And napakalaking honor. We will be able to give more opportunities po sa athletes po,” she said.

     

    For national federation officials, the expanded lineup is a sign of how far the sport has come locally, especially with young athletes now getting international exposure at scale.

      

    There is also a personal layer to the story, with Sy leading not just as a champion but as an inspiration for the next generation hoping to follow her path to the global stage.

      

    Support from the broader Philippine sports leadership further underscores the event’s importance in the country’s sporting roadmap.

     

    Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio voiced their support for the event, sharing that they have seen firsthand the progress of sambo in the country. 

     

    They emphasized that staging the competition in the Philippines will not only aid in preparation but also give Filipinos a chance to gain a deeper appreciation of the sport. 

     

    POC Secretary General Wharton Chan and PSC Commissioner Fritz Gaston also threw their support behind the event, saying it will contribute to the continued growth of sambo in the country. 

     

    “This is a huge milestone for Philippine sports. At any rate, yung sambo they have combat, grappling, all-around so maraming world champions na galing sa sambo. Sambo would be a force to reckoned with in the future,” Chan said.

     

    With elite athletes from across Asia and Oceania set to converge in Manila, the championship is expected to do more than crown winners—it aims to establish the Philippines as a serious player in the global combat sports landscape, while inspiring the next wave of homegrown champions.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • 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.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    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.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • PSC Partners with FDM Institute to boost Filipino athletes’ vision and performance

    PSC Partners with FDM Institute to boost Filipino athletes’ vision and performance

    The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) continues to expand its support system for national athletes, reinforcing its commitment to provide world-class preparation as they compete on the international stage. In its latest initiative, the PSC has partnered with the FDM Neuroscience and Vision Care Research and Training Institute to enhance athletes’ visual capabilities—an often overlooked but critical component of elite sports performance.

     

    The collaboration, dubbed “Sight on the Goal: Sports Performance Vision in Action,” aims to ensure that Filipino athletes benefit from cutting-edge vision science, enabling them to perform at their highest level with improved clarity, reaction time, and coordination. The program highlights the growing recognition that success in sports is not solely dependent on physical conditioning and technical skill, but also on the efficiency of visual processing and perception.

     

    Leading the initiative is Dr. Tess Yambot, chairman of the FDM Institute, who emphasized the long-term vision behind the partnership. She expressed optimism that the collaboration would become a sustained effort in uplifting the standards of Philippine sports.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    “We want to create awareness that with better vision, our athletes will have better performance. We are here to help enhance the sports vision skills of the athletes geared for excellence,” Yambot said during a press conference.

    PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio echoed this sentiment, describing the partnership as an “eye-opener” for Philippine sports. He underscored the importance of integrating science-backed methods into athlete development programs, particularly those that can provide a competitive edge on the global stage.

     

    Medical experts from the institute further explained that achieving peak performance requires more than just standard 20/20 eyesight. According to them, advanced visual skills—such as hand-eye coordination, depth perception, peripheral awareness, and rapid visual processing—are essential for athletes competing at the highest level. These attributes can significantly influence decision-making, timing, and overall execution during competition.

     

    Among the first beneficiaries of the program is rising Filipina tennis standout Kaye Emana, who has already undergone initial assessments. Her evaluation included a comprehensive set of tests designed to measure and improve various aspects of visual performance, such as vision skills testing, eye-hand coordination, visual tracking, reaction to light stimuli, and enhanced visual clarity during play. These assessments are expected to provide valuable insights that can be translated into tangible improvements on the court.

     

    The rollout of the program begins with a free two-day “functional assessment” for national athletes scheduled on April 9, to be followed by similar sessions for coaches, trainers, and sports officials on April 11. Both activities will be held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, a historic hub for Philippine sports development.

     

    With this initiative, the PSC continues to demonstrate a progressive approach in athlete preparation—embracing innovation and interdisciplinary support to ensure that Filipino competitors are equipped not only physically and mentally, but also visually, as they strive for excellence on the international stage.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • Legacy grows as new legends join Philippine Sports Hall of Fame fifth batch of inductees

    Legacy grows as new legends join Philippine Sports Hall of Fame fifth batch of inductees

    On May 20 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, that legacy will grow even stronger as the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame unveils its fifth induction class, adding a new chapter to the country’s rich sporting history.


    Rather than simply honoring achievements, the Hall of Fame has evolved into a bridge between generations—linking today’s rising athletes with the icons who paved the way. 

     

    Established in 1999 through Republic Act No. 8757 by then-president Joseph Estrada, the institution was built not just to celebrate excellence, but to preserve it.

     

    This year’s selection process reflected that same commitment to legacy. From an initial pool of 75 nominees, a carefully assembled committee worked through a rigorous screening designed to go beyond statistics and accolades. 

     

    Leading the process were Patrick Gregorio and Abraham Tolentino, joined by a mix of sports officials and stakeholders tasked with identifying figures whose impact transcended their respective disciplines.

     

    Before final decisions were made, a separate panel of veteran sports journalists and individuals who have chronicled decades of Philippine sports—offered their insights to ensure that each candidate’s story was fully understood and properly weighed. 

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    The multi-layered evaluation underscored how enshrinement is not simply about recognition, but about safeguarding credibility and historical significance.

     

    Since its first induction in 2010, the Hall of Fame has steadily built a roster that reads like a timeline of Philippine sports excellence. 

     

    Trailblazers such as Simeon Toribio, Gabriel Elorde, and Teofilo Yldefonso laid the foundation, while later additions like Eugene Torre, Lydia de Vega-Mercado, and Robert Jaworski expanded its reach across eras and disciplines.

     

    Each class has not only celebrated individual greatness but also reflected the evolving identity of Philippine sports, from early Olympic pioneers to modern-day global competitors.

     

    Eligibility remains deliberately strict. Only those who have reached the podium in major international competitions such as the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, Olympics, or World Championships that have claimed world titles—are considered. 

     

    The criteria ensure that every name added carries both achievement and meaning. As the Hall prepares to welcome its newest members, the moment is less about looking back and more about continuity. 

     

    The stories being honored are not just reminders of past triumphs, they are markers of possibility for the future.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans! 

  • 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.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    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.

     

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans! 

  • PSC and PAGCOR partner to upgrade sports infrastructure nationwide

    PSC and PAGCOR partner to upgrade sports infrastructure nationwide

    The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) are set to strengthen their partnership in a wide-ranging initiative aimed at upgrading sports infrastructure nationwide, a move seen as a major step toward developing world-class Filipino athletes and elevating the country’s overall sporting ecosystem.

     

    The collaboration was formalized following a meeting led by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto with officials from the PSC and PAGCOR at Malacañang on January 15. The discussions were held in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader vision of transforming the Philippines into a competitive sporting nation and reinforcing government support for elite athlete development.

     

    Under the proposed partnership, PSC and PAGCOR will jointly fund and oversee the construction, completion, and refurbishment of key sports facilities across various regions of the country. The goal is to provide Filipino athletes with modern, accessible, and high-quality training environments that meet international standards.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    “PAGCOR and PSC will work together to provide the right facilities, the right support, and a proper space for Filipinos to hone their skills. Through this partnership, we reaffirm the government’s commitment to investing in Filipino potential, building not only champions in sports, but also national pride and opportunity for communities across the country,” Recto said in a statement.

     

    One of the flagship projects under the collaboration is the completion of the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research Building. Once finished, the facility will house specialized training venues for multiple sports, including bowling, gymnastics, badminton, sepak takraw, and other emerging and traditional disciplines. The institute is envisioned to serve as a hub for athlete training, research, and sports science in Northern Luzon.

    The partnership will also prioritize the immediate refurbishment of the General Luna Convention Center in Siargao, which will be converted into a specialized watersports training facility and academy. The upgraded venue is expected to cater to surfing, coastal rowing, beach sprints, and dragon boat racing—sports that align with Siargao’s natural coastal advantages and growing reputation as an international surfing destination.

     

    In addition, plans are underway to enhance the Siargao Sports Complex by adding facilities for basketball, volleyball, and badminton, as well as a rubberized track oval, athletes’ dormitory, and a convention center. These upgrades aim to support both grassroots development and elite-level training while enabling the island to host national and regional competitions.

     

    In Mindanao, the Zamboanga City Sports Complex is slated to be transformed into a Regional Training Center for the Zamboanga Peninsula. The facility will cater to athletes from surrounding provinces, offering centralized access to training programs, competitions, and sports services.

     

    Another major project involves the rehabilitation of the Athletic Bowl in Baguio City, which will be designated as the Regional Training Center for the Cordilleras. The upgraded complex will feature a modern track and field oval with a grandstand, an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, and other athletic amenities designed to support year-round training in the highlands.

     

    Beyond athlete development, both PSC and PAGCOR emphasized that the infrastructure upgrades are expected to generate broader economic and social benefits. Improved sports facilities are seen as catalysts for sports tourism, community engagement, and youth participation, while also positioning the Philippines as a viable host for international sporting events.

     

    With these initiatives, the government hopes to create a sustainable pipeline of talent—from grassroots to elite competition—while ensuring that Filipino athletes are equipped with the facilities and support necessary to compete on the global stage.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.