President Bongbong Marcos vowed full government support for grassroots sports development and national athletes, opening PSC track ovals in Manila, Pasig, and Baguio to the public for free starting July 29.
Aspiring athletes who dream of following in the footsteps of Filipino champions can expect stronger government support, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28.
Marcos pledged full backing for national sporting events and athletes while unveiling a new nationwide sports development program, which will start at the grassroots level.
"Magbubuhos tayo ng todo-suporta sa mga palaro at mga atleta sa buong bansa," Marcos said in his speech.
"Bubuo tayo ng bagong pambansang programa sa sports development. Uumpisahan natin ito sa paaralan pa lamang. Ibabalik natin ang mga sports clubs at magsasagawa tayo ng mga palaro at intrams sa lahat ng mga pampublikong paaralan."
To support this vision, Marcos announced that starting July 29, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will open its track and field ovals in Manila, Pasig, and Baguio to the public for free.
The initiative, aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles, comes amid reports of increasing obesity among Filipino adults.
According to the latest World Obesity Atlas, released by the World Obesity Federation last March 4, around 38% of Filipino adults live with a high Body Mass Index (BMI).
By 2030, this number is projected to rise to 34.12 million.
"Starting today, the PSC will open its track and field ovals… so you can jog there for free," Marcos said.
Earlier this afternoon, the PSC has already announced that its track and facilities will be open to the public from 3:00pm to 10:00pm daily.
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Why does this matter?
1. Reviving school-based sports clubs and intramurals is expected to strengthen the pipeline for future athletes.
2. Free access to PSC facilities like Rizal Memorial and PhilSports Complex could boost public participation in fitness activities.
3. The program aims to produce more world-class athletes who can replicate the success of Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, EJ Obiena, Carlos Yulo, Nesthy Petecio, and Alex Eala.
Marcos also commended para-athletes Jerrold Mangliwan, Cendy Asusano, Angel Mae Otom, and Ernie Gawilan, and lauded the Philippine men's curling team, which made history by winning gold at the Asian Winter Games earlier this year.
In addition, the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy Games will return this October in General Santos City to reinforce the grassroots-to-elite sports pipeline.
Next steps for Philippine sports
The PSC, under new chairman Patrick Gregorio, has already taken significant measures, including a P5,000 salary increase for national athletes and coaches and initiatives to promote sports tourism.
Gregorio has also ordered the cleanup of sports facilities in the country, vowing continued support and easy access for athletes.
[ALSO READ: Patrick Gregorio lays down athlete-first agenda as new PSC chief]
"By reviving grassroots programs and providing world-class training for our athletes, we aim to build a healthier nation and a stronger future for Philippine sports," Marcos said.