PSC targets streamlining of Palarong Pambansa, Batang Pinoy in push for grassroots sports

The Philippine Sports Commission aims to rethink the current programs of the Palarong Pambansa and the Batang Pinoy to create a more streamlined pathway for up and coming athletes in the Philippines following the success of the recent Asian Youth Games.

 

During the presentation of medalists from the Bahrain AYG last week, PSC Chairperson Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said that he is working together with select stakeholders to reorganize the current structure with the Department of Education.

 

“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 press conference. 

 

“Because we have to support the initiatives of the Philippine Olympic Committee, lalo na napakaimportante nitong Asian Youth Games, Youth Olympic Games. Alam po namin ni [POC] President Bambol [Tolentino] 'yan,” he added.

 

The Batang Pinoy recently followed the AYG, with other competitors like MMA’s Charlie and Travis Ratcliff even traveling from Bahrain to General Santos City to compete in the multi-sport youth event.

 

[READ: Charlie Ratcliff relishes whirlwind week with Asian Youth Games, Batang Pinoy gold medals]

 

With eyes towards a better grassroots program, the PSC hopes to widen the horizons for those competing, especially since the Batang Pinoy and the Palarong Pambansa currently operate on different calendars.

 

The Batang Pinoy, which hosts younger athletes, was held after the Palarong Pambansa this year.

 

As it stands, the Batang Pinoy coincides with some of those also competing in the Palarong Pambansa, with athletes under 18 able to compete in the former, while the latter includes both elementary and secondary divisions.

 

 

Starting them young

 

For Gregorio, the streamlining will prove pivotal to hone the next generation of athletes for the Philippines.

 

Witnessing a golden age of Philippine sports with athletes like Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo, EJ Obiena, and Alex Eala raising the flag, the sports official believes that creating a better system for young athletes to thrive is the way to go.

 

Aiming to support athletes not just in the senior level, but also during their youth, Gregorio said that the PSC will not be reactionary in supporting such programs.

 

[RELATED: Asian Youth Games medalists to enjoy monetary incentives from PSC, POC, nat’l government]

 

“I was there during the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina. Na-realize ko, pwede tayong manalo rito ah. Kaya ako, very happy ako na ang Philippine Olympic Committee at ang NSAs, tinututukan na natin 'to,” said Gregorio. 

 

“Because 'yung nananalo diyan, sa AYG, 'yung nananalo diyan sa Youth Olympic Games, 'yan na rin ho ang nananalo sa Olympics at saka sa Asian Games. Huwag na natin bitawan ito. Kasi I’m sure, alam natin, that is the right pathway and the right runway.”

 

The Philippines is coming off of a historic run in the Asian Youth Games where the country netted a 12th place finish with seven golds, seven silvers, and 10 bronzes.

 

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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.

Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.