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50 STATES. ONE FLAME. ONE OLYMPIC DREAM 

Atlanta will make history as the first U.S. stop for the Olympic flame after it arrives from Greece, officially kicking off a torch relay unlike any the country has seen before. 🇬🇷➡️🇺🇸

And here's what makes it massive: the Olympic flame is set to travel through all 50 states.

From America's biggest cities to its smallest communities, the torch will bring the Olympic spirit directly to the people—turning the countdown to Los Angeles into a celebration far beyond the host city.

This isn't just about carrying a flame.

It's about carrying a symbol of sport, dreams, perseverance and unity across an entire nation.  

Atlanta gets the first chapter.

Los Angeles gets the grand finale.

But all 50 states get to be part of the story.

LA 2028 IS COMING—AND AMERICA IS GETTING READY TO CARRY THE FLAME.  

“𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧, 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧.” 

For Philippine archery, that decision came when Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio backed the hiring of two South Korean coaches with Olympic pedigree—Ryu Su Jeng and Hong Sung Chil.

The gamble paid off.

Less than 10 months after arriving in Manila, the Korean mentors helped reshape the national team’s training approach, with an emphasis on high-volume preparation, biomechanics, equipment tuning and pressure situations.

Then came Amaya Paz-Cojuangco.

At the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, the veteran archer broke through a 12-year Philippine archery medal drought—and came agonizingly close to gold.

Cojuangco dominated Iran’s Bita Asheghzadeh Oskouei, 146-135, in the quarterfinals before producing a stunning 142-141 victory over South Korea’s Park Jungyoon in the semifinals.

Suddenly, the Philippines had its first-ever Asian Games archery finalist.

In the gold-medal match, Cojuangco fought Indonesia’s Nurisa Dian Ashrifah arrow for arrow. The Indonesian eventually prevailed, 139-137, but the silver was already historic.

It surpassed Paul Marton Dela Cruz’s bronze in 2014 as the Philippines’ best-ever Asian Games finish in archery.

And behind the breakthrough was a philosophy Gregorio reportedly stood by: “If we want to be the best, get the best.”

When questions arose about the cost of bringing in elite foreign coaches, Gregorio recalled being told, “Chairman, how can we afford?”

His response: “That’s my problem. We will get corporate sponsors to share.”

That is the kind of gamble that changes a program.

No, the Philippines did not leave Japan with archery gold.

But it left with something potentially bigger: proof that investing in world-class knowledge can change what Filipino athletes believe is possible.

After 12 years without an Asian Games archery medal, Amaya Cojuangco has now put the Philippines back on the continental podium.

SILVER MEDAL. HISTORIC BREAKTHROUGH. AND PERHAPS THE START OF SOMETHING MUCH BIGGER.

The message from the Philippine Sports Commission is clear: Team Philippines is not heading to Aichi-Nagoya just to compete—it is being challenged to aim higher.

With the 20th Asian Games and 5th Asian Para Games fast approaching, Filipino athletes and coaches received an added boost after PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio announced an additional ₱6,000 allowance for every member of the delegation.

It may not be the biggest number attached to the campaign, but for athletes who have spent months training, traveling and sacrificing, every bit of support matters.

And Gregorio isn't stopping there.

The PSC chief revealed that should the Philippines surpass its four-gold-medal haul from the Hangzhou Asian Games, he will push for an additional reward for the entire delegation.

The Para athletes have an even bigger benchmark to chase: 10 gold medals, the number they won in Hangzhou.

Suddenly, Nagoya isn't simply about defending a medal count.

It's about beating it.

MORE THAN A NUMBER

Medal targets can sometimes feel like pressure.

Gregorio, however, framed the challenge differently.

His message to the delegation was that every athlete being sent to the Asian Games has the ability to win a medal—and potentially gold.

That belief could be just as valuable as any incentive.

For Filipino athletes, the road to the podium is rarely easy. Behind every medal are early mornings, long training sessions, injuries, financial sacrifices and countless moments when quitting would have been easier.

Now, they have another reminder that their efforts are being recognized.

FOUR GOLD? GO FOR MORE.

The Philippines returned from Hangzhou with four Asian Games gold medals.

It's a respectable haul.

But Gregorio wants the next chapter to be bigger.

Four is no longer the finish line.

The challenge is to surpass it.

For the Para delegation, the benchmark is 10 gold medals.

Those numbers are more than statistics. They represent previous victories—and a new standard for the athletes heading to Japan.

THE REAL PRIZE

The additional ₱6,000 allowance and possible rewards are welcome boosts, but the ultimate prize remains the same.

The podium.

The flag raised.

The national anthem playing.

The moment when years of sacrifice suddenly become worth it.

And perhaps most importantly, the realization that Filipino athletes belong among Asia's best.

Nagoya will eventually produce winners and losers. Some will return with medals. Others will return with lessons, heartbreak and motivation for another day.

But every athlete stepping onto the field of play will carry something bigger than a medal target.

They will carry the Philippines. 🇵🇭

Four golds?

Go beyond.

Ten Para golds?

Go beyond.

Because this time, the goal isn't simply to match what Team Philippines did before.

It's to prove that the next generation can do even more.

A new Asiad. A bigger challenge. A stronger Team Philippines.

And when the competition begins in Aichi-Nagoya, the message will be simple:

Don't just chase history. Make more of it.

The UAAP is making an important statement even before Season 89 officially gets underway: when the country calls, the league is willing to make room.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines has scaled down its September men’s basketball schedule to just five game days, allowing several of its student-athletes to represent the Philippines in major international competitions.

With players set to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas squads in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan and the FIBA 3x3 Under-23 World Cup in Wuhan, China, the UAAP adjusted its calendar rather than force its young stars to choose between school and country.

It is a decision that puts a familiar school rivalry on pause—but places national pride front and center.

UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tips off on September 13, with the defending champion De La Salle Green Archers facing the National University Bulldogs in the opening-day main event at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

But unlike a typical September packed with collegiate basketball, the league will hold games on only five dates.

A schedule built around the flag

The UAAP will stage September games on:

September 13 — Smart Araneta Coliseum
September 16 — Mall of Asia Arena
September 19 — Smart Araneta Coliseum
September 26 — Mall of Asia Arena
September 30 — Mall of Asia Arena

The unusual scheduling reflects the number of UAAP student-athletes expected to be involved in national-team duties during the month.

For UAAP president Mark Molina of Far Eastern University, the decision reflects what collegiate sports should ultimately be about: developing athletes not only for their schools, but also for the country.

“We have always believed that the UAAP’s mission goes beyond the competition,” Molina said.

The league president stressed that the UAAP takes pride whenever its student-athletes receive the opportunity to represent the Philippines, adding that the organization is willing to adjust its calendar whenever necessary to allow them to serve the national team.

From school colors to Philippine colors

Several familiar UAAP names will temporarily trade their school jerseys for the national colors.

La Salle’s Luis Pablo and Doy Dungo, together with UST’s Koji Buenaflor, have been called up for the Philippine men’s 3x3 basketball team for the Asian Games, scheduled for September 21 to 25.

Meanwhile, Kacey Dela Rosa and other UAAP standouts are set to bolster the Philippine women’s 5-on-5 basketball team.

Their involvement underscores the growing role of the UAAP as a pipeline for Philippine basketball.

For these young players, the opportunity represents more than simply another tournament.

Playing for their respective schools means competing for championships, pride and campus bragging rights.

Playing for the Philippines means carrying the expectations of an entire nation.

La Salle begins its title defense

Before some of its players head off to national duty, however, the defending champions will first begin their UAAP title defense.

La Salle faces NU on September 13, immediately setting the tone for another highly anticipated season of collegiate basketball.

The Green Archers enter the season carrying the pressure that comes with being champions, while the rest of the league looks to knock them off their perch.

But the early portion of the season will unfold under an unusual circumstance.

Some of the league's biggest young talents will soon be pulled away from the UAAP hardwood to compete internationally.

And rather than viewing that as an inconvenience, the UAAP has chosen to embrace it.

A bigger stage for UAAP stars

The scheduling adjustment is also a reminder of the increasingly important relationship between collegiate basketball and the national team program.

UAAP players are no longer simply future prospects waiting for their chance.

Many are already being trusted with national-team responsibilities while still in college.

The experience of competing against international opponents can only add another layer to their development—and potentially make them better players when they eventually return to the UAAP floor.

For the league, that makes the temporary disruption worthwhile.

The UAAP can wait. The national team cannot.

The rivalries will still be there.

The championships will still be there.

But opportunities to represent the Philippines on the international stage do not come around every day.

And for the UAAP, the message is clear:

School pride matters. But when the Philippine flag is on the line, the flag comes first.

Cambodia has withdrawn from eight sports in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand due to security concerns amid ongoing border tensions, an Olympic official confirmed last November 27. 

The decision comes after intermittent military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand throughout the year, including a deadly July outbreak that left over 40 people dead. 

Despite a US-brokered truce, diplomatic strains remain.

The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) informed the Southeast Asian Games Federation that it would skip events such as football, petanque, wrestling, judo, and karate, citing “significant security concerns” for its athletes and officials.

NOCC secretary-general Vath Chamroeun emphasized that the move was strictly about safety, reducing the delegation from 333 to 150 athletes competing in 13 sports. 

The pullout is aimed at making monitoring easier amid heightened tensions over overlapping claims to ancient temples along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

The Philippines will field its largest-ever delegation for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, sending 1,600 athletes, coaches, and officials to compete in 50 sports at the biennial meet during the 33rd 2025 send-off at Rizal Memorial Coliseum held last November 28.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the decision to send a record-sized team was rooted in prioritizing exposure and athlete development over immediate results

“When you send a delegation, they learn. When you send a big delegation, they gain confidence and experience,” Gregorio said. “We want our athletes’ mindset and skills to toughen up so they can compete at the Asian Games and the Olympics.”

The 2025 SEA Games will feature 574 medal events, three demonstration sports—air sports, flying disc, and tug of war—and MMA as a value-added sport.

Gregorio emphasized that investing in athletes’ experience now lays the groundwork for future success. “We’re giving our athletes the exposure they need to compete better in the future,” he said.

The Philippines will target podium finishes in medal-rich sports including basketball, esports, boxing, weightlifting, jiu-jitsu, and athletics when the SEA Games open on December 9.

In a heartfelt send-off, the senate committee on sports, Senator Bong Go, reminded the country’s national athletes of the immense pride and hope they bring as they head into international competitions.

“Always remember, you carry not just your name, but the spirit of every Filipino,” Go said. “When you win, the whole nation wins with you. No matter the result, you already carry the pride and admiration of the Filipino people.”

Reassuring the athletes of his unwavering support, the official added, “My office is always open for you. If you need anything—whether a solution or a problem—just come to my office.”

As the delegation prepared to embark on their journey, he encouraged them to fight with determination and honor the country. “Fight with all your heart. Bring home the bacon. The honor you bring to the country—you will carry it for the rest of your life. It is engraved in the history of the Philippines.”

He closed by urging the team to give their best, stay united, and make every Filipino proud: “Show the world how strong and united Filipinos can be.”

General Trias City, which built the first track and field oval in Cavite province, acknowledged that the facility—now more than 20 years old—has become worn and outdated. Portions of the oval remain under development, prompting organizers to caution athletes about potential injury risks. For this year’s meet, the city prioritized football, archery, and the 100-meter sprint.

According to General Trias City Mayor Luis “Jon-Jon” Ferrer, with support from the provincial government, the city pledged to undertake a full modernization of its athletic facilities.

“Next year, we promise to make our track and field oval world-class for the youth,” said Ferrer, adding that plans are underway to build a competition-standard swimming pool so student-athletes will no longer need to rent outside venues.

Throughout the event, officials emphasized that all these efforts—including infrastructure upgrades and sports programming—are anchored on one priority: the youth.

“This is what we offer our young people,” the official declared. “Long live our youth. Long live education.”

With renewed confidence, upgraded facilities in the pipeline, and a motivated delegation, General Trias aims to make a resounding mark in its return to the regional sports stage.

The city officials and student-athletes of General Trias rallied behind the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship as they geared up for the upcoming regional meet, affirming their commitment to hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

“We believe that through sports, we demonstrate unity and sportsmanship,” said Ferrer during the opening program. “Every point, every score, every round is a product of hard work and determination.”

Mayor Ferrer added that the Division of General Trias is poised for a strong comeback at the regional meet, calling it “a sign from the Lord that we will rise again.”

The official reminded athletes that regardless of who emerges victorious in the division competition, all those representing General Trias at the regional level must honor their role by taking care of their uniforms, equipment, and gear—and by giving their absolute best. “No one gets hurt, no one gives up. This is our home sports park,” he stressed.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and sponsor of the proposed budget of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), renewed his call for the regionalization of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) during budget deliberations on last Monday, November 24.

Go stressed that keeping the NAS concentrated solely in Luzon—specifically in its main campus in New Clark City, Pampanga—limits grassroots development and sidelines promising young athletes from the Visayas and Mindanao.

“Nag-file rin po ako ng bill para ma-regionalize ang NAS,” Go said, referring to his recently filed measure aimed at decentralizing the academy in line with the intent of the law that created it.

Go noted that while NAS operations are fully funded—citing an additional ₱294 million in the committee report, including budget for a new dormitory—geographical accessibility remains a major barrier for student-athletes outside Luzon.

He emphasized that expansion does not require constructing brand-new facilities, pointing out that many local governments already have sports infrastructures capable of hosting NAS satellite campuses.

“Sana ay ma-regionalize ito… at malagyan rin po sa Visayas at Mindanao,” he said, adding that several LGUs in Mindanao have already expressed willingness to host equivalent NAS setups.

During the hearing, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano underscored the need for continuity in national sports planning and aligning programs with international hosting opportunities. Go agreed, stressing the importance of proactive planning.

A long-time advocate for athlete welfare, Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, which established the NAS and introduced a dual-track system combining secondary education with specialized sports training. The academy provides full scholarships to student-athletes pursuing both academic and athletic excellence.

To widen access to this model, Go filed Senate Bill No. 171, or the National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025, which seeks to establish NAS campuses across the country—particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao. These regional campuses would uphold the academic and athletic standards of the main campus while ensuring equitable opportunities for rising sports talents nationwide.

The Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHINADO) conducted an Anti-Doping Education Seminar for Filipino athletes set to compete in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games and the 13th Asian Youth Para Games.

The seminar aimed to equip national athletes with essential knowledge on clean sport practices, anti-doping rules, testing procedures, and the importance of upholding integrity in competition.

Present during the event were key sports leaders, including Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) President Michael Barredo, PSC Commissioner Edward Hayco, and Olympian Akiko Thompson, all emphasizing the importance of education in maintaining a fair and drug-free sporting environment.

Philippine Sports Commission chair Patrick Gregorio stressed in his opening remarks the importance of this seminar as their guidance and preparation for the upcoming Olympic and Asian games before the year ends. 

Gregorio emphasized its strong commitment to fair play and integrity during an anti-doping education session held for national athletes on Friday.

“This session is more than just a requirement—it is part of our commitment to fair play, integrity, and excellence,” PSC chair Patrick Gregorio underscores the agency’s core values as Filipino athletes prepare to compete on the regional and international stage.

As the country gears up for major sporting events, PSC officials highlighted the importance of upholding clean sport principles, noting that compliance protects both the careers of athletes and the honor of the nation.

“This is not just about an athlete. It is about our nation’s integrity and our success,” Gregorio emphasized, calling the anti-doping seminar a crucial step in ensuring that Filipino athletes remain aligned with global standards set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and PHINADO.

Officials reminded athletes that victories achieved through prohibited means hold no value.

“Don’t gamble. Don’t take a chance. Winning should be clean, fair, and come from the heart of every Filipino athlete,” Gregorio reiterated.

The seminar forms part of the PSC’s continuous effort to strengthen awareness and reinforce a culture of honesty and accountability in Philippine sports.

PHINADO’s initiative reinforces the country’s commitment to clean and honest sports, ensuring that every Filipino athlete represents the nation with pride, discipline, and integrity as they take on the international stage.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio said his perspective on sports development shifted after witnessing the overwhelming turnout in emerging sports during the recent Batang Pinoy games. Events like archery, futsal, taekwondo, and swimming drew hundreds—if not thousands—of young athletes, surpassing participation numbers in traditional crowd favorites such as basketball and volleyball.

“To be honest, nagulat ako sa dami ng participants,” Gregorio said. “Take futsal, for example—there were hundreds of players from nearly every LGU. We also had 500 to 600 in archery, and it helped that we brought in Korean coach Ryu Ju-seng, known for developing Olympic medalists, for our national team.”

With the surge of interest, Gregorio believes the PSC should champion emerging sports such as netball, floorball, and handball, but he is particularly excited about futsal—especially as the Philippines is currently hosting the first-ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup.

Gregorio revealed that with the newly-refurbished PhilSports Arena serving as the World Cup venue, the PSC is considering transforming it into a dedicated futsal arena.

“A lot of our arenas default to basketball after events of other sports,” he said. “But we already have more than enough basketball venues like MOA Arena, Ynares, Araneta, FilOil, and the upcoming UAAP Akari arena. Maybe it’s time we dedicate an arena for futsal. If we do, we could excite FIFA into helping us craft a seven-year development plan for football.”

He cited the PSC’s successful seven-year roadmap with the FIVB, which led to the Philippines hosting the Men’s Volleyball World Championship this year and the Women’s World Championship in 2029. Gregorio believes a similar long-term partnership with the Philippines Football Federation (PFF) and FIFA is well within reach.

Beyond athlete development, Gregorio stressed that hosting world-level sports events should be viewed as an investment—not a cost.

“I’m betting on sports and tourism,” said Gregorio, "Sports can help the economy if we attach it to tourism. It’s a powerful way to promote our country.”

In January, the Philippines will stage its first-ever WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open, which will feature tennis star Alex Eala. The PSC is currently refurbishing the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center to host the event, but Gregorio foresees that the growing interest in tennis will soon require a larger venue.

“In two years, we’ll likely need a bigger venue if we want to host a WTA 250,” he added.

With rising participation, world-class hosting opportunities, and a renewed vision, Gregorio believes the Philippines is entering a pivotal moment in its sports development journey.

The countdown to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is on! Organizers officially unveiled the full competition schedule, setting the stage for a spectacular edition of the Games that promises to be both historic and inclusive.

The Opening Ceremony will take place on July 14, 2028, with the Closing Ceremony scheduled for July 30, marking 17 action-packed days of elite competition across 49 venues. A record 11,200 athletes will compete in 51 sports, making LA28 the biggest Olympic Games in history.

One of the most exciting highlights? The women’s 100-meter dash will headline Day 1, signaling a bold step toward celebrating women’s excellence in sports. “We want to start the Games with a bang—showcasing the fastest women in the world,” said Shana Ferguson, LA28 chief of sport.

For the first time ever, the Olympics will feature an equal or greater number of women’s teams compared to men’s, with 50.5% of athletes being women—a groundbreaking milestone for gender equality on the world stage.

In another first, athletics will span the entire Games, integrating tradition with innovation. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to the highly anticipated “Super Saturday” on July 29, which will feature 26 finals across 23 sports, including basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, golf, football, tennis, and more—promising one of the most thrilling single days in Olympic history.

The LA28 Games also mark the return of baseball and softball, the long-awaited comeback of cricket after over a century, and the Olympic debuts of flag football and squash—further expanding the Olympic spirit to new audiences around the globe.

As the world prepares for this monumental celebration of athleticism and unity, LA28 stands as a beacon of innovation, diversity, and inclusion—a testament to how the Olympic movement continues to evolve with the times.

In a show of unity and commitment, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and the Office of the Chef de Mission (CDM) came together for a Coordination Meeting of the Task Force for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, set to take place in Thailand next year.

The meeting, attended by POC Secretary General Atty. Wharton R. Chan, PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo B. Iroy Jr., and Chef de Mission Dr. Jose Raul Canlas, underscored the country’s collective effort to ensure smooth preparation and strong representation in the regional meet.

According to the POC, the session aimed to strengthen coordination among key sports bodies and address logistical, administrative, and performance-related plans for the Filipino athletes bound for the 2025 SEA Games.

“This coordination is essential to ensure that our athletes get the support and structure they need to perform at their best,” said Dr. Canlas.

With a spirit of “Strength in Unity,” the collaboration signals a unified front for Team Philippines — as the nation’s top sports leaders rally behind the athletes set to bring pride and glory to the country in Thailand.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is looking to “harmonize” the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy programs to build a more unified and sustainable youth sports system in the country.

PSC Chairperson Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the agency is working closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other stakeholders to create a clearer pathway for young Filipino athletes—from grassroots to elite levels—following the country’s strong performance in the Asian Youth Games (AYG) held in Bahrain.

“Hindi po siya iu-unify, liwanagin ko lang po, hindi siya iu-unify. Isi-streamline po natin, iha-harmonize po natin para 'yung age group malawak,” said Gregorio during the presentation of the AYG medalists last week.

Gregorio emphasized the importance of aligning the PSC’s programs with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and national sports associations, noting that youth tournaments like the AYG and Youth Olympic Games (YOG) serve as vital stepping stones toward major international competitions.

“We have to support the initiatives of the POC, lalo na napakaimportante nitong Asian Youth Games, Youth Olympic Games,” he added.

The Batang Pinoy recently concluded in General Santos City, just days after the AYG. Notably, athletes like MMA’s Charlie and Travis Ratcliff flew directly from Bahrain to compete in the local meet—showing the growing connection between national and grassroots programs.

Currently, both Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy cater to young athletes but run on separate calendars. The Palaro includes elementary and secondary divisions, while Batang Pinoy welcomes athletes aged 17 and under—resulting in some overlap.

Gregorio believes harmonizing both programs will create a more efficient structure that better identifies and supports emerging talent early on.

“I was there during the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina. Na-realize ko, pwede tayong manalo rito ah,” said Gregorio. “Kaya ako, very happy ako na ang POC at ang NSAs, tinututukan na natin 'to. Kasi 'yung nananalo sa AYG at Youth Olympic Games, 'yan din ang nagiging champions sa Olympics at Asian Games.”

He added that the PSC’s approach will no longer be merely “reactionary” but will focus on long-term development and consistent support for the youth sports pipeline.

The Philippines recently capped off a historic 12th-place finish in the Asian Youth Games, bagging seven golds, seven silvers, and ten bronzes—its best showing yet in the continental event.

With this success as inspiration, the PSC hopes to build a stronger foundation for the country’s next generation of sports heroes.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio has been appointed to head the newly created National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC) established by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. under Administrative Order No. 38, signed on October 29, 2025.

Gregorio will serve as chairman of the committee, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) as vice-chair, and representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) as members.

The NST-IAC aims to promote and develop sports tourism across the Philippines — integrating sports and tourism as twin engines for economic growth, youth development, and national pride.

“This initiative recognizes how sports can inspire communities, drive regional progress, and showcase Filipino excellence on the global stage,” said Gregorio.

Fresh from their medal-winning performances in the 3rd Asian Youth Games, the Philippines’ young athletes are setting their sights even higher — aiming to turn their victories into future gold medals in the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino lauded the athletes’ performance and reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the country’s participation in the next edition of the Asian Youth Games in 2029, which will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

“Our young athletes have shown that the future of Philippine sports is bright. We’ll continue to support their growth and push for a bigger delegation in 2029,” said Tolentino.

The Asian Youth Games serve as a vital platform for the country’s next generation of elite athletes—a launching pad for those who will soon compete on the regional and global stage.

With the lessons learned and confidence gained from this year’s campaign, the young Pinoy medalists are more motivated than ever to keep their winning momentum—and carry the flag with pride in future international competitions.

Meanwhile, a Php500,000 incentive will be given to all gold medalists from the last 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain; silver winners will receive Php300,000, while bronze finishers will get Php100,000 care of the PSC. 

In addition to this, units of iPhone 17 Pro Max will be given to gold medalists, and iPhone 17 will be issued to silver and bronze medalists by Sportsplus, the official gaming partner of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has officially approved the establishment of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC) through Administrative Order No. 38, marking a major step toward strengthening the Philippines’ position as a regional hub for sports tourism.

The NST-IAC is tasked to harmonize, coordinate, and promote government efforts that integrate sports and tourism—transforming athletic excellence into a driver of youth empowerment, tourism growth, and regional development.

Under the directive, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Pato Gregorio will head the committee, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) serving as vice-chair. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) are designated as members.

“Sports can enable the youth, enable regional development, enable tourism, and enable new industries,” said Gregorio, underscoring the committee’s vision.

President Marcos, a known sports advocate, recognizes that hosting international sporting events and developing local talent not only elevates Filipino athletes but also boosts tourism and global recognition for the country.

With the creation of the NST-IAC, the Philippines is poised to merge sports and tourism into a powerful engine for national progress—showcasing Filipino talent, passion, and hospitality to the world.

Baguio City surged to the top of the Batang Pinoy 2025 medal standings after dominating the archery events on Tuesday, bagging 10 gold medals to boost its overall haul.

As of posting time, Baguio has collected 23 gold medals, with most coming from its stellar archers Jianna Rae Delos Reyes and Jephtha Caleb Fernandez, who swept all three titles in their respective divisions — Delos Reyes in the girls compound (12 years old) and Fernandez in the boys compound (14-under).

Additional golds came from Kester RJ Delos Reyes (boys compound 17-under, first distance), Jan Precious Laking (boys compound 14-under, second distance), Ryzen Keith Viduya, and Jalorrae Cxethreen Lictao (male recurve division 14-under, second distance).

Aside from the 23 golds, Baguio also holds 11 silver and 15 bronze medals, underscoring its dominance in the national youth sports competition.

Manila, which led the tally in the first two days, slipped to second with 15 golds, 15 silvers, and 13 bronzes, while defending overall champion Quezon City — listed as 14 golds, 10 silvers, and 22 bronzes — currently sits in third place.

With several events still underway, the race for overall supremacy in Batang Pinoy 2025 remains tight — but for now, Baguio City stands tall atop the leaderboard.

A 141-strong Philippine delegation is set to make waves at the Third Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Manama, Bahrain, from October 22 to 31. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed confidence in the team’s potential, aiming to match or surpass the country’s two-gold, three-silver haul from the 2013 Nanjing edition.

“Yes, this team has a strong fighting chance,” said Tolentino.

Flag bearers Leo Mhar Lobrido (boxing) and Harlene Serneche (volleyball) lead the charge. Lobrido, 16, from Bago City, is a top medal hopeful after his gold-winning stint at the Greater Area Bay Youth Boxing Challenge in Shenzhen, China. “We’ll train and do our best to get a medal,” he said.

Serneche, a National University recruit and high school volleyball standout, echoed the team’s determination: “We have potential and hopefully we’ll be competitive there.”

The delegation, headed by Chef de Mission and PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, will compete in 18 of the 26 sports in Manama. During the send-off, athletes wore uniforms by Avel Bacudio, including tracksters Pi Durden Wangkay and Lorainne Batalla, Muay Thai’s Jan Brix Ramiscal, MMA’s Charlie and Travis Ratcliff, and volleyball’s Rhose Almendralejo.

Almendralejo, an 11th grader from Bacolod’s Tay Tung High School, shared her excitement and nerves: “It’s a big pressure for me, but I’ll do my best to help the team.”

With youthful energy, talent, and unity, Team Philippines is ready to showcase the next generation of Filipino athletes on the Asian stage.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is ramping up its advocacy for youth empowerment through sports, as Chairman Patrick Gregorio is appointed Philippine National Network (PNN) Convenor for the Southeast Asia Sports and Youth Crime Prevention (SEA-SYCP) initiative.

The appointment by SEA-SYCP leaders James Mapstone and Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee recognizes the PSC’s key role in advancing sports-driven youth programs across the region

Mr. Edward Hayco will support Gregorio as Vice-Convenor, ensuring the roll-out of effective, sustainable programs under the SEA-SYCP umbrella.

In a recent meeting with the PSC, SEA-SYCP, and partner government and private agencies, it was agreed that the Philippines will lead program planning and resource mobilization. 

The national steering group will align its efforts with the ASEAN Work Plan, focusing on youth development, community engagement, and crime prevention through sports.

This partnership underscores sports as a powerful tool for social change—promoting discipline, teamwork, and positive youth engagement throughout Southeast Asia.