The ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships 2026 presented by the Philippine Sports Commission concluded on a high note with PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio commending organizers for delivering a successful five-day competition that showcased both elite performers and rising young talents at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium.

Gregorio described the annual National Open as a major step forward for Philippine athletics, citing the event’s smooth execution and the continued progress of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association in developing athletes from the grassroots level to the international stage.

The competition served as the country’s premier track and field event, bringing together top local athletes while also providing opportunities for emerging talents to gain valuable experience against quality opposition.

Focus on Development

According to Gregorio, the successful staging of the championships reflected the growth of Philippine athletics and the effectiveness of Patafa’s long-term development programs.

He praised the federation’s structured grassroots and talent identification initiatives, noting that sustained investment in young athletes remains essential to future success.

This year’s edition attracted 1,015 athletes, including 95 competitors from nine countries. Participants from the United States, Canada, Samoa, Korea, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Chinese Taipei joined Filipino athletes in the meet co-presented by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and New Clark City.

One of the major developments was the introduction of an Under-20 division alongside the existing Under-18 and Open or Elite categories. The additional age group was designed to provide a smoother pathway for developing athletes transitioning toward senior-level competition.

Patafa president Terry Capistrano described the new category as an important investment in the future, emphasizing the need to create more competitive opportunities for promising young athletes before they move on to international events.

International Opportunities Expand

Beyond the action on the track, discussions during the championships opened new possibilities for Filipino athletes through an emerging partnership with the Korea Junior Athletics Federation.

Gregorio and Capistrano met with KJAF president Park Hyun Chun during a dinner hosted at Royce Hotel, where both sides discussed future collaboration opportunities.

Capistrano revealed that a verbal agreement had been reached for a dual program between the two federations. The arrangement includes an open invitation for Filipino athletes to train at the world-class facilities in Yecheon, South Korea.

The partnership is expected to benefit both countries through an exchange program involving student-athletes. Patafa secretary general Jasper Tanhueco explained that Filipino high school athletes will compete in Korea while Korean athletes will participate in competitions held in the Philippines.

The initiative aims to elevate competition standards, provide international exposure, and strengthen cultural and sporting ties between the two nations.

Looking ahead, Capistrano also confirmed that the Philippines will host the Asian Under-18 Athletics Championships in April 2027 at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium.

The event is expected to further establish New Clark City as a regional center for athletics while providing Filipino athletes with another opportunity to compete against some of Asia’s top young talents on home soil.

Gregorio believes the success of the championships demonstrates the country’s readiness to continue building pathways for future champions. For him, grassroots development goes beyond participation and serves as the foundation for sustained excellence in Philippine athletics.