PSC chairman Pato Gregorio stressed the importance of opening track ovals to the public for grassroots development while assuring continuous facility upgrades for athletes.
More Filipinos have begun to flock to the Philippine Sports Commission’s track and field facilities in Manila, Pasig, and Baguio, following the directive of President Bongbong Marcos.
The PSC opened its ovals for free from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., paving the way for the public to engage in an active lifestyle.
According to PSC chairman Pato Gregorio, the move is a major step toward grassroots development.
“Napakaganda ng reception,” Gregorio told One Sports. “It is open from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and we’re doing that para sa umaga pwede mag-training ang national athletes. Sa hapon, publiko—mga batang galing sa eskwelahan, opisina—pwede pumunta sa field sports sa Rizal at Baguio.”
“We’re very happy ginagawa natin 'yan dahil sa utos rin ni President Marcos.”
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Gregorio also emphasized the importance of free access to sports facilities for discovering future talent.
“Very, very important ‘yan. Paano tayo makakahanap ng future athlete kung hindi natin bibigyan ng pagkakataon ang grassroots? Paano tayo makakahanap ng next runner, next javelin thrower, pole vaulter kung wala silang free access sa sports facilities natin? Unahin natin diyan sa track and field kasi stamina and endurance,” he explained.
Along with this, the PSC has also continued repairs and maintenance work on its facilities to ensure quality facilities for athletes.
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Gregorio reiterated that the initiative is part of the government’s commitment to promoting a strong grassroots sports foundation.
“Well, ‘yung repair, ‘yung clean-up, tuloy-tuloy ‘yan, 24/7 because we have to make sure na ‘yung kapakanan ng atleta ay nabibigyan ng atensyon. Nagka-problema tayo during the typhoon season—nag-brownout, nababaha—pero maagap naman tayo diyan,” said Gregorio.