The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has welcomed a landmark collaboration as two of the country’s biggest conglomerates — the MVP Sports Foundation, Inc. (MVPSF) and Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) — formalized a partnership aimed at strengthening the support system for Filipino athletes.

PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio emphasized that the long-envisioned agreement will expand assistance programs and open more opportunities for athletes to thrive internationally. “This partnership is exactly what current efforts in the development of Philippine sports are called to do: sync, catalyze, and expand our mutual work—especially in sports infrastructure, sports tourism, and grassroots development,” he said.

Building a stronger system for world-class athletes

The agreement outlines a comprehensive framework that includes grassroots talent identification programs, elite-level support, and athlete career development. Among the notable products of both foundations’ initiatives are double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo and world-class pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who benefited from support before reaching international success.

MVPSF President Alfredo Panlilio noted that both organizations will align their objectives, combining Ayala’s resources such as real estate and health assets with MVPSF’s grassroots and elite programs across 22 sports disciplines. Meanwhile, AFI’s Atletang Ayala Program currently supports 19 national athletes in their quest for Los Angeles 2028, while also providing career pathways in the Ayala Group’s industries.

Partnership kicks off with global pole vault event

The collaboration will officially launch on September 21 with a pole vault competition at Ayala Triangle Gardens, inspired by Obiena, that brings together top international athletes. AFI Chairman Jaime Zobel de Ayala highlighted the broader mission: “Sports is an extraordinary way of bringing pride to a nation. We have an excellent opportunity to be the bridge between their dreams and reality.”

MVPSF Chairman Manny Pangilinan added, “Sports is a metaphor for life. The virtues and qualities you need in sports are the same ones you need in life: hard work, discipline, focus, resilience. We’re happy to be working with the Ayalas in making sports more accessible to Filipinos.”

Both parties expressed their commitment to encourage more private and government partners to invest in sports development, with Chairman Gregorio stressing the importance of the public-private partnership model in elevating Philippine sports to new heights.