The Philippine Sports Commission has officially opened a major regional training hub for national boxers in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, marking a breakthrough in decentralized athlete development. The move solidifies the province as a key training ground for elite Filipino athletes from Mindanao.

The PSC and the Bukidnon provincial government signed a Memorandum of Agreement to designate the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex as the new home of the Philippine National Boxing Team. The modern complex boasts a track oval, football field, Olympic-sized aquatic facilities, and a 3,000-seat indoor arena, offering world-class amenities for high-performance training.

PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio led the ceremonial signing alongside Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil Roque and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who has championed the creation of regional elite training hubs. Gregorio emphasized that bringing high-level training closer to home is a game-changer for Philippine sports.

Zubiri, proud of his Bukidnon roots, underscored the national vision behind the initiative, noting that regional hubs across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will attract and develop top talent without uprooting young athletes from their communities.

ABAP backs grassroots-first approach to elite boxing development

The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines Secretary General Marcus Manalo echoed the importance of keeping athletes close to their roots while offering world-class coaching and facilities. He highlighted plans to use the center not only for elite fighters but also for grassroots and recreational programs under “Sports Boxing for All.”

The complex will soon welcome more national sports federations, including karate, sepak takraw, and cycling. Leaders such as Karate Pilipinas president Ricky Lim and Pilipinas Sepak Takraw president Karen Caballero joined the event, reinforcing the multisport potential of the Bukidnon hub.

Bukidnon complex positions Mindanao as a national sports powerhouse

Zubiri toured Gregorio through the expansive venue, which features a 15,000-seat stadium, Olympic-standard pool, football pitch, and track facilities. Planned upgrades include tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, an open events area, a museum, and a cultural auditorium, signaling long-term investment in Mindanao’s sports ecosystem.

With Bukidnon emerging as a national sports hub, the opening of this training center marks a bold step in strengthening grassroots pathways and expanding elite training beyond Metro Manila — setting the stage for broader athlete development across the country.