The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has received accolades from lawmakers following the unprecedented achievements of Filipino athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the Philippines secured its best-ever finish with two gold and two bronze medals. This commendation follows the Senate’s approval of the PSC’s budget, a move that underscores the agency’s commitment to elevating Philippine sports.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Committee on Sports and Health, outlined various infrastructure projects designed to support athlete welfare and prepare for upcoming international competitions. Among the key initiatives are enhancements to major sports complexes like the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila, PhilSports Complex in Pasig City, and Teachers’ Camp in Baguio City.

During the budget hearing, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III lauded PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann and his team, stating, “Congratulations, Chairman Bachmann, for the outstanding Olympic performance. This success is a testament to our well-planned sports development programs.”

Major Infrastructure Initiatives for Athlete Welfare

As part of the PSC’s commitment to bolstering Philippine sports, major infrastructure projects are underway. These include the construction of a seven-story athletes’ dormitory, championed by Sen. Pia Cayetano, and a 12-story multi-purpose facility. Other key improvements feature the rehabilitation of the Rizal Memorial Baseball Field to meet international standards and the renovation of the PSC Administrative Building at RMSC.

Supporting Athletes Beyond Infrastructure

In addition to facility upgrades, the PSC is focused on enhancing meal and nutrition services to optimize athletic performance. These efforts underscore the agency’s commitment to supporting athletes from grassroots levels to elite competitions, ensuring they are well-prepared to represent the Philippines on the international stage.

Upcoming International Competitions for Filipino Athletes

The PSC’s budget will also support the Philippines’ participation in major upcoming events, including the Philippine National Games, Southeast Asian Games, Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games, Asian Winter Games, and Asian Youth Para Games.

PSC Chairman Bachmann expressed gratitude for the government’s continued support and pledged to allocate the budget effectively, emphasizing the long-term vision for Philippine sports. “Our goal is to ensure athletes can focus solely on their strategies and performance. This commitment to excellence is essential to sustaining the Philippines’ standing in global sports.”

With its robust plans and renewed budget, the PSC is well-positioned to support Filipino athletes as they strive for excellence in future competitions.