The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is handing its flagship youth program a bigger job. After the country’s best-ever Youth Olympic Games campaign in Dakar, PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio says the Batang Pinoy now serves a greater purpose.

Naomi Marjorie Cesar won silver in the women’s 800 meters and Pi Durden Forward Wangkay took bronze in the men’s 200 meters in Senegal. The 2026 Batang Pinoy runs Dec. 12 to 18 in Bacolod City.

Batang Pinoy Becomes Youth Launchpad

Gregorio spoke on Saturday, Nov. 14. “Naomi’s [Marjorie Cesar] silver in the 800 meters and Pi’s [Durden Forward Wangkay] bronze in the 200 meters in Dakar show the world what the next generation of Filipino athletes is capable of.”

He said the results show the PSC’s programs are working. “Their incredible grit on the track in Senegal proves that our national sports programs and grassroots initiatives are bearing fruit,” Gregorio said.

Gregorio said the PSC will keep backing the athletes. “The PSC remains fully committed to nurturing these young champions as they transition from youth competitions to the global senior stage.”

The Batang Pinoy is the PSC’s flagship program for the youth. “With this best-ever finish in the YOG, the International Olympic Committee’s program for the young athletes, the Batang Pinoy now serves a greater purpose,” Gregorio said.

Gregorio described the program’s new role. “The Batang Pinoy is no longer just a national showcase, it is the direct launchpad for international glory,” he said.

The PSC staged the first Batang Pinoy for varied age groups, 12 and under and 18 and under. For this year’s edition, Gregorio has set the maximum age at 15.

Cesar, Wangkay Rewarded After Dakar

Cesar and Wangkay’s achievements net them incentives of P2.5 million and P1 million, respectively, under Republic Act No. 10699, the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. Their coaches will receive half of those incentives.

The medals surpassed the silver won by Christian Tio in boys’ twin-tip racing of kiteboarding at the 2018 Buenos Aires Games. The gold Luis Gabriel Moreno shared with China’s Li Jiaman in mixed NOC archery at Nanjing 2014 did not officially count.

The PSC supported Cesar, Wangkay and seven other athletes in Senegal, the first African country to host an International Olympic Committee event. Swimmers Jamesray Mishael Ajido and Riannah Chantelle Coleman and cyclist Maritanya Krog were among them.

Artistic gymnasts Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III, wushu artist Angel Polo and windsurfer Jade Justine Justiniane completed the team. The nine-member delegation competed in six sports.

The Philippines will host the inaugural SEA Plus Youth Games from Dec. 2 to 14, 2027, through the Philippine Olympic Committee. The 23-sport event will be held in Manila, Pasig, Tagaytay and Subic Bay.

Gregorio reiterated his battle cry, which he has used since assuming office in July 2025. “From grassroots to gold, from gold to greatness!” he said.