PRESIDENT FERDINAND Marcos, Jr. is set to roll out a new national sports development program to strengthen grassroots sports and produce world-class Filipino athletes.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 28, Marcos pledged “full support” for athletes and national sporting events, recognizing the importance of sports not only for youth development but also for nation-building and public health.
“We will create a new national sports development program, beginning right at the school level. We will bring back sports clubs and hold games and intramurals in all public schools,” the President said.
He also committed to backing competitions such as the Palarong Pambansa and the Batang Pinoy Games, which will take place this October in General Santos City.
“Our [Philippine Sports] Commission (PSC) and [Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation] are there to ensure continued promotion and support for our sports programs and athletes nationwide,” he said.
Marcos previously admitted the government’s shortcomings in supporting athletes in his speech during the giving of incentives to athletes who won medals during the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games.
“I am always a little embarrassed when I see that we are not supporting our athletes and our coaches… Talagang kung saan-saan na lang kumukuha ng suporta. Nakakahiya (They get support from various sources. That is embarassing),” Marcos said in a a speech delivered last month.
Despite limited funding, Filipino athletes managed to place fifth overall in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and ASEAN Para Games, with over 900 athletes competing across the two events.
The new national program will align with the PSC’s 2023–2028 Sports Plan, which centers on two pillars: grassroots development through school competitions and elite athlete training via high-performance programs, modern facilities and international exposure
Marcos emphasized that the government’s sports agenda seeks to make physical activity a part of daily life through community fitness programs, open access to public sports facilities and early exposure to sports in schools.
“Because of these programs, our youth are being trained early. They gain confidence, they are inspired by our champions.”
Marcos also directed the PSC to open its track and field ovals to the public. He urged local government units to adopt health-promoting measures like car-free Sundays, fun runs, aerobics and zumba sessions, emulating efforts already in place in Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao.
“Let us strive to lead more active lives every day,” he said, citing the rising cases of obesity among Filipinos aged 20 and above. F
