All news tagged PhilippineOlympicCommittee

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.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has officially announced that Bacolod City will host the 2026 Batang Pinoy, marking the return of the national youth games to the Visayas after more than a decade.

The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batang Pinoy in General Santos City, where PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio confirmed Bacolod’s hosting. This will be Bacolod’s fourth time to stage the event, following previous editions in 1999, 2001, and 2014.

During the turnover rites, GenSan Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao passed the Batang Pinoy banner to Atty. Jose Marty Go, who represented Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya.

“It is just fitting for Bacolod to host the Batang Pinoy after several years, being among the pioneers of this grassroots sports program,” said Gregorio.

Nearly 20,000 young athletes participated in 27 sporting events in the 2025 edition held from October 25 to 31 in General Santos City.

Gregorio highlighted the importance of Batang Pinoy as a cornerstone of grassroots sports development, noting that several of the country’s top athletes — including Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo — once competed in the tournament.

The upcoming Bacolod hosting in 2026 signifies another milestone for the PSC’s efforts to develop and discover young Filipino athletes from all over the country.

The Philippine women’s national football team saw a promising lead slip away as Uzbekistan rallied late to force a 2-2 draw in their international friendly on Wednesday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

After a ten-day training camp in Manila, the Filipinas looked sharp early, with Chandler McDaniel scoring just two minutes into the match off a brilliant setup by Meryll Serrano. Serrano later doubled the advantage in the 56th minute to give the hosts a 2-0 cushion.

However, Uzbekistan’s Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva stole the spotlight, pulling one back with a long-range free kick in the 67th minute before capitalizing on a defensive miscue to equalize in the 81st.

The result was a tough pill to swallow for the world No. 39 Filipinas, who are using the friendly as part of their preparations for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in December.

For Manvil “Manny” Billones, ice hockey isn’t just a sport. It’s a rush, a rhythm, and a reflection of pure adrenaline. 

Born on November 1, 1993, Billones has carved his path from the rinks of the United States to representing the Philippines in the international arena.

“I played a lot of sports, but hockey was the one that really caught my eye,” he shared. “I like the speed and how fast you can go on the ice, the flow of the game. There’s not that much stoppage. You just go out there, and how intense it is, you can hit, score, and it’s just a fun time.”

Billones, who studied at West Chester University in the U.S., found hockey a sport that matched his competitive fire. Now a forward for the Philippine Men’s National Ice Hockey Team, he carries with him both skill and pride every time he dons the national jersey.

“It’s an honor, really—and just pride,” he said when asked what it means to represent the country.

The team, a mix of veterans and new faces, continues to evolve each season. “There’s a lot of new players, veterans and new guys. It’s a different dynamic,” he explained. “But we’re going to blend better, practice more, and it’s going to be a great time together.”

As one of the team’s experienced players, Billones sets his sights on progress. “Our goal is to get promoted every year, to reach a higher level every time,” he said. “We don’t want to stay on the same level. We just want to improve every time and try to get medals in any tournament we play.”

Off the ice, Billones is as laid-back as he is competitive. “I like to golf,” he admitted with a grin. “But other than hockey, I like to sleep a lot.”

When asked what he wants Filipinos to appreciate about ice hockey, Billones encourages fans to look beyond the usual courts and fields. “It’s not just the main sports like basketball or volleyball,” he said. “You should go out and watch a new sport. Seeing the speed, how fun it is, and the intensity, it’s just a good time.”

And for young Filipinos curious to give hockey a shot? Billones keeps it simple: “Just come to MOA and try it out. Even if it’s just public skating, you never know, you might fall in love with it like us.”

From the ice rinks of West Chester to the cold confines of the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Manny Billones continues to embody the grit and passion of Filipino athletes proving that no climate can cool the fire of national pride.

For Steven Füglister, ice hockey isn’t just a sport, It’s a lifelong passion that began on the frozen rinks of Zurich, Switzerland, and now thrives thousands of miles away in the tropics of the Philippines.

Born on January 25, 1986, Füglister grew up surrounded by the sport. “In the neighborhood I grew up in, all the kids played hockey,” he recalled. “So I naturally wanted to join. All my friends played, and the love just evolved from there.”

That childhood fascination became a lifelong commitment. Today, Füglister proudly serves as center and captain of the Philippine National Ice Hockey Team, a squad that continues to defy expectations in a country more associated with beaches than blades.

Representing the Philippines on the international stage, he says, is an experience that never loses its meaning. “It’s always a big honor,” he shared, reflecting the pride he feels wearing the national colors on his jersey.

This year’s roster features many new faces, but that doesn’t faze Füglister, who’s long been a steadying force for the team. “We have a lot of newcomers who joined the men’s national team, so we’re trying to gel, include everyone, and form a new team, basically,” he said. That sense of unity is what fuels their drive, especially with competitions like the Southeast Asian Games in sight.

Fuglister’s personal goal remains simple yet powerful: “Become better every day and, as a team, be successful at the SEA Games.”

“Off the rink, life is just as busy. I have three kids, so they keep me busy,” he said with a smile. “I’m trying to get my twin boys excited for hockey and maybe they’ll one day share the same passion for the game. When I’m not at the rink, I love spending time with my wife, travel and focusing on business. “

While ice hockey may still be growing in popularity in the Philippines, Füglister believes it’s only a matter of exposure before Filipinos embrace the sport’s intensity. “It’s something not really ordinary here,” he admitted. “But once you come to the rink and watch the game, it’s really exciting—the speed, the grit, and the action.”

And for those curious to give the sport a shot, his advice is straightforward: “Go to the SM Skating Rinks, try public skating, and maybe at one point, try hockey.”

From Swiss beginnings to Southeast Asian glory, Steven Füglister embodies the spirit of passion, perseverance, and pride. Under his leadership, the Philippine ice hockey team continues to prove that even in a tropical country, champions can be forged on ice.

When you think of Philippine sports, ice hockey might not be the first thing that comes to mind but for BJ Imperial, it’s been his lifelong passion and purpose. 

Born on February 23, 1999, and a proud graduate of Ateneo de Manila University, Imperial now anchors the blue line as a defenseman for the Philippine National Ice Hockey Team.

His journey into the sport began with a touch of family influence. “I first started playing ice hockey when my cousins, who grew up in the States, moved back to the Philippines when they were in college,” Imperial recalled. “I was around four or five years old then. They liked to play hockey back in the U.S., so when they came back, I just wanted to tag along.”

At first, those games played on the streets were simple, playful sessions that sparked a lifelong love for the game. It wasn’t until age 12 that Imperial first laced up his skates on real ice, marking the beginning of his serious pursuit of the sport.

Representing the country, he says, is a feeling like no other. “It’s something that I really take pride in, he shared. I tell my friends, I don’t think you’ve ever sung the national anthem like I have. It’s a different kind of pride when you play for your country.”

That sense of pride extends to his teammates, with whom he shares a strong brotherhood forged through hard work and shared sacrifice. “Within the team, I think it’s a really close bond because you go through a lot of things together, the struggles of training, competing against other countries, and taking pride in what you’re doing,” he said.

For Imperial, winning is always the goal, but it’s not the only one. “Aside from winning, I guess it’s also to encourage the next generation. We hope that hockey doesn’t stop with our team. We hope that it continues for the next generation.”

When he’s not patrolling the rink or studying game tapes, Imperial trades his hockey stick for a golf club. “When I’m not playing hockey or watching hockey, I like to play golf,” he said with a smile.

And for young Filipinos curious about trying ice hockey, his message is simple but heartfelt: “Don’t be intimidated. It’s a sport that’s not really famous for a tropical country, but just come out and join us.”

For BJ Imperial, the ice may be cold, but his passion burns bright. A proof that even in a tropical nation, dreams can glide and goals can shine under the rink lights.

The Philippine Ice Hockey Team has officially departed for Thailand to compete in the upcoming Ice Hockey Tournament, which runs from October 28 to November 2.

Philippine Ice Hockey team manager Pet Tigaronita told the scoreline.ph about the upcoming rally of the team. “Team is leaving this morning to participate in “Land of Smiles” in Thailand. It’s a hockey tournament from Oct 28 to Nov 2” 

The weeklong event will feature some of the best teams from the region, promising a thrilling showcase of speed, skill, and teamwork on the ice.

Fueled by pride and determination, the Filipino skaters are ready to make their mark and represent the country with passion in this international competition.

Filipino gymnastics star Carlos Yulo has opted to skip the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December to focus on the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, where he is competing only in floor exercise and vault due to a left wrist injury.

“I still want the taste of competition,” Yulo said “That is the most important for me right now.”

Yulo, a double gold medalist in vault and floor at the Paris 2024 Olympics, officially announced his SEA Games withdrawal through Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion-Norton. According to Carrion-Norton, Yulo’s decision was motivated by two factors: SEA Games rules now restrict elite gymnasts to only one event, and Yulo’s desire to give other Filipino gymnasts a chance to shine.

“It’s a selfless decision because he likes to give others a chance. He’s now focused on winning in the world championships,” Carrion-Norton said. She added that the SEA Games organizers also scrapped the all-around competition, limiting medal opportunities for top gymnasts.

Yulo revealed his wrist injury occurred two months ago while working on a difficult new dismount on the parallel bars. “I kind of did it too much,” he admitted.

Despite his limited participation in Jakarta, Yulo remains committed to showcasing beautiful, graceful gymnastics. “My goal is to perform beautiful gymnastics, to be really graceful,” he shared.

Yulo is joined at the world championships by fellow Filipino gymnasts Miguel Besana and Ivan Cruz, the latter fresh off a gold medal at the Cambodia SEA Games.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick "Pato" Gregorio made a special stop in Indonesia to personally rally the Philippine team at the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, fresh off attending the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports in Hanoi.

Gregorio, known for his hands-on approach, met separately with the men’s and women’s squads at Hotel Mulia, just ahead of their competitions at the Indonesia Arena. “I believe in going where our athletes compete overseas, hoping this will encourage and inspire them to do better,” said Gregorio, who previously led the Philippine Rowing Association and is a long-time supporter of national athletes.

He shared with Paris Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, as well as Juancho Miguel Besana, Justine Ace de Leon, and John Ivan Cruz, that he even drove two hours from Hanoi to Haiphong to meet Pinoy rowers before flying to Jakarta. “It’s different when you see an official supporting you. It boosts your morale,” he noted.

Gregorio, who witnessed Yulo’s historic Olympic double in Paris, emphasized his emotional connection to gymnastics. “You can’t sing the national anthem when you’re crying,” he recalled of Yulo’s golden moments.

He also encouraged the women’s team, led by Paris Olympians Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo, plus debutants Elayza Yulo and Haylee Garcia, to use PSC’s Elite Link app to showcase their achievements and connect with potential patrons.

Besides cheering on the team, Gregorio met with Indonesia’s new Sports Minister Eric Thohir to discuss a potential joint Olympic bid by Southeast Asian nations. “If the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia could co-host the FIBA World Cup, there’s no reason Southeast Asia can’t bid for the Olympics together,” he said.

Gregorio returned to the Philippines Sunday night to oversee upcoming priorities, including the Batang Pinoy National Championships, which will gather 21,000 young athletes in General Santos City.

The Alas Pilipinas national beach volleyball teams, spearheaded by star duo Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, are ramping up preparations for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand.

Fresh from their campaign at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge in Nuvali, Laguna, the Philippine teams are applying valuable lessons from competing against top-tier international squads to their SEA Games push.

“We learned a lot from every match at the Challenge,” said Pons, who, alongside Rondina, made history as the first Philippine pair—men or women—to reach the round of 24 in the event. “We must keep training hard and focus on being consistent in all aspects of our game.”

Brazilian head coach Joao “Kioday” Luciano Simao Barbosa named the SEA Games women’s pool: Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez, Jenny Gaviola and Alexa Polidario, and Kly Orillaneda and Gen Eslapor. Men’s hopefuls include SEA Games bronze medalists James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla, Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Vergara, and Edwin Tolentino and Larry John Francisco. Each country will field two teams per gender.

Team manager Cherry Macatangay confirmed all six pairs will undergo intensive training at the Nuvali Sand Courts to sharpen their skills and conditioning ahead of the December 12–19 competition at Bangkok’s Huamark Sports Complex.

“We’re ready anytime if chosen for the SEA Games,” said Gaviola. “We’ll make the necessary adjustments and keep working to improve.”

Thailand and Indonesia remain the SEA Games beach volleyball powerhouses, while the Philippines has earned six bronze medals—three each in the men’s and women’s divisions—since the sport became a medal event in 2003.

Alas Pilipinas is setting its sights on the top prize in beach volleyball at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand.

“Gold is what we’re aiming for in Thailand,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara during the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge at Nuvali Sands Court in Santa Rosa, Laguna. “We’ve had plenty of SEA Games bronze medals, and while we know it won’t be easy, we believe it’s possible. I’m hopeful our athletes can turn their Nuvali experience into a gold-medal run in Thailand.”

Thailand and Indonesia have historically dominated SEA Games beach volleyball, while the Philippines has earned six bronze medals—three each in the men’s and women’s divisions—since 2003.

PNVF head coach Joao “Kioday” Luciano Simao Barbosa confirmed the SEA Games lineups: Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, and Dij Rodriguez and Sunny Villapando for the women; and James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla, and Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Vergara for the men.

Each country can field two pairs per division. The 33rd SEA Games opens December 9, with beach volleyball running from December 12 to 19 at Bangkok’s Huamark Sports Complex.

“We’re working very hard to fight for the gold,” said Kioday. “All teams are strong, but with a few more months of preparation, we’ll take it step by step—and reach for that gold.”

Spain’s Alejandro Huerta and Adrian Gavira, and Finland’s Anniina Parkkinen and Valma Prihti, claimed top honors at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge, wrapping up an electrifying weekend at Nuvali Sands Court in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Huerta and Gavira clinched their first Challenge title as partners after outlasting England’s Javier and Joaquin Bello in a thrilling three-set men’s final, 21–17, 19–21, 17–15. Huerta led the charge with 29 of Spain’s 40 attacks, crediting Gavira’s clutch defense for the win.

In the women’s final, Parkkinen and Prihti rallied for a 17–21, 21–14, 15–11 comeback over Lithuania’s Ieva Dumbauskaite and Gerda Grudzinskaite, securing Finland’s first-ever Beach Pro Tour Challenge gold. Prihti delivered a dominant all-around performance with 25 points, including 16 attacks, five blocks, and four aces.

Italy’s Manuel Alfieri and Alex Ranghieri secured men’s bronze after a comeback win over Austria’s Christoph Dressler and Philip Waller, while Australia’s Stefanie Fejes and Jasmine Fleming took women’s bronze by edging Czechia’s Kylie Neuschaeferova and Martina Maixnerova.

The FIVB-sanctioned event, hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation under President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, drew 111 pairs from 25 countries—highlighting the Philippines as a premier destination for world-class beach volleyball.

Italy’s Manuel Alfieri and Alex Ranghieri, along with Australia’s Stefanie Fejes and Jasmine Fleming, grabbed bronze medals at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge, held Sunday at Nuvali Sands Court in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

World No. 48 Alfieri and Ranghieri rallied to beat Austria’s No. 28 tandem Christoph Dressler and Philip Waller, 17–21, 21–18, 15–12, to secure third place in the men’s division. The Italian duo tallied 41 points, with Alfieri firing 19 kills.

On the women’s side, Fejes and Fleming (No. 58) came from behind to edge Czechia’s No. 45 pair Kylie Neuschaeferova and Martina Maixnerova, 13–21, 21–15, 15–13. Fejes led the Aussies with 19 kills in their 40-point effort.

Earlier, British crowd favorites Joaquin and Javier Bello advanced to the men’s final after outlasting the Italians, 11–21, 21–19, 15–11, while Spain’s Alejandro Huerta and Adrian Gavira edged Austria’s Dressler and Waller, 22–20, 18–21, 16–14, in the semifinals.

In the women’s semis, Finland’s Anniina Parkkinen and Valma Prihti relied on strong blocking to defeat the Czech duo, 21–19, 18–21, 15–10, setting up a title clash with Lithuania’s Ieva Dumbauskaite and Gerda Grudzinskaite, who swept Fejes and Fleming, 21–18, 21–18.

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.

Alex Eala is set for her next test at the Japan Women’s Open, opening her campaign today, October 14, against Czech player Tereza Valentova. 

The 19-year-old Filipina tennis star continues to climb the international rankings, now at a career-high No. 54, and is eager for another breakthrough to bring pride to the Philippines.

The Japan Open boasts a stacked field, headlined by top seed and world No. 16 Naomi Osaka, world No. 17 Linda Noskova, No. 21 Elise Mertens, No. 27 Leylah Fernandez, No. 41 Marie Bouzkova, No. 49 Olga Danilovic, No. 42 Ann Li, and No. 40 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

Eala will look to build on her momentum as she takes on the world’s best on the Japanese hard courts. 

In the meantime, Eala has been enjoying her time in Japan with her parents and coach, making the most of the experience both on and off the court.

Filipina cue artist Chezka Centeno proved once again that champions are defined not by how they start, but by how they finish.

The 24-year-old Centeno pulled off a sensational comeback run from the losers’ bracket to capture her second WPA World Women’s 10-Ball Championship title, showcasing her trademark poise and fighting spirit on the global stage.

After suffering an early setback in the double-elimination rounds, Centeno refused to back down. She went on a scorching run — defeating several top-seeded contenders, including defending champion Chou Chieh-Yu, to earn a spot in the finals.

In the championship match, Centeno displayed world-class composure and precision, sealing the victory that crowned her once again as the best 10-ball player in the world.

Her triumph marks another milestone for Philippine billiards, adding to the country’s storied legacy of cue sports dominance led by legends like Efren “Bata” Reyes and Rubilen Amit.

Centeno’s second world title solidifies her place among the sport’s elite — and serves as an inspiration to a new generation of Filipino athletes proving that resilience, determination, and heart can turn any setback into glory.

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.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, reaffirmed his full support for the budgets of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Games and Amusements Board (GAB), and the Philippine Racing Commission (PhilRACOM) — emphasizing that sustained investment in sports is key to building a generation of disciplined, healthy, and world-class Filipino athletes.

Speaking during a budget hearing, Go highlighted how government backing has already translated into historic success for the Philippines on the global stage.

“Since 2019, when I chaired the Committee on Sports, we won our first-ever Olympic gold in Tokyo through Hidilyn Diaz,” Go said. “And just last year, Carlos Yulo captured two more gold medals in Paris. These victories prove that strong government support leads to results.”

Go noted that despite these triumphs, sports funding remains minimal — only 0.004% of the national budget in 2024. He stressed the need for consistent increases to sustain the country’s progress in international competitions.

“We expect our athletes to perform like world champions, but our support must match that expectation,” Go added. “That’s why we fought to raise PSC’s 2025 budget to ₱1.3 billion.”

Investing in Facilities and Regional Training

The senator also underscored the importance of upgrading sports infrastructure, including athlete dormitories and training centers at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and Philsports (ULTRA).

He proposed the regionalization of sports training centers so that athletes from provinces no longer have to travel to Manila for proper training.

“Let’s bring sports closer to the people,” Go said. “The Philippines is big. We need regional centers to discover and develop talent nationwide.”

He also cited the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City — co-authored by Sen. Win Gatchalian — as a model that allows student-athletes to train and study simultaneously.

Boosting Sports Tourism and Hosting Global Events

Go praised the country’s recent hosting of major international tournaments — including the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, and the upcoming WTA Women’s Tennis Open — noting their positive economic impact and contribution to national pride.

“Hosting world-class events helps promote tourism and shows our capability to the world,” Go said. “We’ve proven that Filipinos can organize events with excellence and passion.”

Supporting Athletes and Fighting Game-Fixing

Beyond funding, Go emphasized the importance of moral and institutional support for athletes, ensuring they can focus solely on competition. He also called on the Games and Amusements Board to intensify its crackdown on illegal gambling and game-fixing, warning that such practices destroy the integrity of sports.

Talks now are underway for the country’s potential hosting of a WTA event, a move that could mark a major milestone for Philippine tennis.

The proposed WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open is being targeted for January 26 to February 1 next year, following initial discussions between the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (Philta), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco.

Also discussed was opening the historic Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts to the public, aiming to expand grassroots access to the sport.

“Our partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission paves the way for a new chapter in Philippine tennis,” said Tiangco, who also serves as Philta secretary general. “From pursuing the hosting of the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open and ITF J30 to opening Rizal Memorial courts to the public and building the Philippine Tennis Center in New Clark City, we are bringing world-class opportunities closer to home. Tennis transforms lives, and with PSC’s support, we are determined to help Filipinos rise and shine on the world stage.”

If the plan materializes, fans may even witness Filipina star Alex Eala competing on home soil—a potential highlight as she continues her climb in the global rankings.

For PSC Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, the initiative goes beyond hosting a single tournament.

“This is more than a tournament. This is about giving our athletes the chance to test themselves against the world’s best, inspiring the next generation, and placing the Philippines firmly on the global tennis map. The greatest champions began their journeys on public courts. By opening access and investing in world-class events, we are giving Filipinos the same chance to dream big and achieve greatness.” Gregorio stressed. 

Beyond the WTA discussions, the Philippines is also set to host the ITF J30 Tournament later this year, featuring promising players aged 13 to 18.

With both grassroots development and elite competitions in play, Philippine tennis is gearing up for a future that blends accessibility, international exposure, and the dream of producing more homegrown champions.