The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) have announced a coordinated effort to fast-track the country’s sports development agenda. The partnership aims to provide Filipino athletes with modern facilities, broader access, and structured programs that can nurture world-class talent.

In a high-level meeting with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio and PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco agreed to align priority sports projects and strategies nationwide. Discussions centered on strengthening regional training centers, expanding grassroots programs, and advancing sports tourism initiatives that can boost both athletic performance and local economies.

Executive Secretary Recto highlighted the importance of collaboration, saying, “Magtutulungan ang PAGCOR at PSC para bigyan ng tamang pasilidad, tamang suporta, at maayos na espasyo para mahasa ang galing ng mga Pilipino.” He emphasized that this partnership demonstrates the government’s commitment to investing in Filipino potential, fostering national pride, and creating opportunities for communities.

Upgrading facilities and building pathways for athletes

Gregorio and Tengco agreed that alignment at the leadership level is essential for turning government investments into operational results. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to go all-out on sports and youth development guides the initiative, which aims to establish regional training centers across all provinces.

To accelerate construction, Gregorio called for the completion of unfinished or underutilized facilities, including the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research Building, sports complexes in Siargao and the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Athletic Bowl in Baguio, and facilities in BARMM. He also cited opportunities to partner with State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) like UP Mindanao, UP Diliman, and UP Los Baños, which have unused land suitable for athletic programs.

The PSC chief stressed that completing these facilities and integrating them into community programs is key to discovering and developing talent. He also noted that the commitment of national sports associations to locate their training centers in provincial areas—where most athletes are recruited—is vital to the success of the rehabilitation and renovation efforts.

Rehabilitation and modernization of historic venues

Alongside provincial projects, the PSC is moving to rehabilitate the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, a historic hub for Philippine sports. The tennis center is nearly finished in time for the Philippine Women’s Open WTA 125 from January 26 to 31.

Meanwhile, the baseball field, long overdue for renovation, will receive a major upgrade, along with the football field and the new Philippine Sports Plaza along Adriatico Street. The plaza will include a shopping mall and restaurants, creating a multifunctional sports and community hub. Gregorio emphasized that sustainable and well-managed provincial centers are crucial to prevent these facilities from becoming “white elephants.”