Marcos pushes for grassroots sports dev’t program, honors PH champs

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

FILE: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr .delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the opening of the joint session of 20th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday (July 28, 2025). (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed to strengthen sports development across the country by pouring full support into programs that will hone future champions, starting from the grassroots level.

“Magbubuhos tayo ng todo-suporta sa mga palaro at mga atleta sa buong bansa (We will give full support to sports and athletes across the country),” Marcos declared in his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

He said a new national sports development program will be launched and will begin in schools, signaling the return of sports clubs and intramurals in all public schools.

“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 (We will start in schools. We will bring back sports clubs and conduct games and intramurals in all public schools),” Marcos said.

The President cited the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy Games, which will be held in General Santos City this October, as key events under the administration’s sports initiatives.

He also underscored the role of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) in sustaining support for national sports development and providing assistance to athletes.

Marcos also highlighted how young athletes can draw inspiration from Filipino world-class athletes and Olympians who have brought pride to the nation.

He recognized renowned champions, such as former senator and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, Olympic gold medalists Hidilyn Diaz and Carlos Yulo, and other Filipino Olympians Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, EJ Obiena, as well as tennis sensation Alex Eala. He also heaved praises to paralympians Jerrold Mangliwan, Cendy Asusano, Angel Mae Otom, and Ernie Gawilan.

In jest, he called Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Nicolas Torre III, a “new champion” and likened him to world-class Filipino sports champions, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.

Torre was proclaimed “winner by default” over the weekend in his supposed charity boxing match against Davao City acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

The Chief Executive, likewise, also gave special mention to the Philippine Men’s Curling Team, which made history by winning the country’s first gold in the Asian Winter Games.

“Akalain mo nga naman: kahit walang winter sa Pilipinas, napatunayan pa rin natin na kaya nating maging kampeon sa Winter Games (Imagine that: even without winter in the Philippines, we still proved we can be champions in the Winter Games)!” Marcos said.

Filipino athletes, he said, have not only brought joy to the public but also deepened national pride and identity.

“Hindi lamang sila nakapaghatid ng kasiyahan sa buong sambayanan. Pinalakas pa nila ang ating pagmamahal sa bayan, at lalo pang pinatingkad ang dangal ng bawat Pilipino (They did not only bring joy to the nation. They also strengthened our love for country and further elevated the dignity of every Filipino),” he said.