Ayala Foundation, MVPSF to develop world-class athletes

By Jean Malanum, Philippine News Agency

IT’S A DEAL. Ayala Foundation, Inc. and the MVP Sports Foundation, Inc. sign an agreement to develop more Filipino athletes at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City on Monday (Sept. 8, 2025). From left are AFI senior director for development programs Emil de Quiros, AFI president Tony Lambino, Ayala Corp. chairperson Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, MVPI chairperson Manny V. Pangilinan and president Al Panlilio, and Philippine Sports Commission chairperson Patrick Gregorio. (Contributed photo via PNA)

MANILA – Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) and the MVP Sports Foundation Inc. (MVPSF) agreed to develop more Filipino athletes who can compete on the global stage.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by AFI president Tony Lambino and senior director for development programs Emil de Quiros, MVPSF president Al Panlilio with Ayala Corp. chair Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and MVPSF chair Manny V. Pangilinan in Makati City on Monday.

Philippine Sports Commission Chair Patrick Gregorio witnessed the signing.

The MOU synergizes efforts of AFI’s sports development arm, Atletang Ayala, and MVPSF to develop athletes who will excel abroad.

The first initiative created through the partnership is the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge, a brainchild of world No. 7 and Asian Games gold medalist EJ Obiena, at Ayala Triangle in Makati City on Sept. 20 and 21.

Under the MOU, both foundations will provide support to elite athletes, improve grassroots training and development, and collaboration on advocacy initiatives with government agencies supporting national sports development.

Atletang Ayala and MVPSF shall “provide comprehensive support to Filipino athletes” in their respective programs and collaborate to “establish sustainable pathways for athlete discovery and development.”

“Right now, our next world champions could be anywhere in the Philippines, dreaming about their first international match but finding themselves with limited or even no opportunities to compete,” Zobel said in a news release Tuesday.

“We have an excellent opportunity to be the bridge between their dreams and reality. Let’s work together and show them what’s possible.”

The two parties will engage government partners to explore opportunities for sports development and find ways to use sports in developing future leaders who can make a positive social impact.

“Sports is a metaphor for life. The kind of virtues and qualities you need in sports are the same ones you need in life: Hard work, discipline, focus, resilience,” Pangilinan said.