The addition of age-group categories in the ICTSI Philippine Athletic Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission is helping strengthen the future of Philippine athletics, according to Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) president Terry Capistrano. The expanded competition is designed to identify and develop promising young athletes who could become the country’s next generation of elite performers.

Speaking during a press conference at the meet co-presented by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and New Clark City, Capistrano said the federation has made youth development a major priority in recent years. The initiative has already begun producing encouraging results on the international stage.

“We want to cultivate and nurture our promising young athletes who will become our next generation of elite campaigners in the future,” Capistrano said. He added that the inclusion of youth divisions was one of the reasons the annual competition was extended by an additional day.

The athletics chief noted that after years of focusing primarily on elite competitors, the federation has directed more resources toward grassroots and youth programs. The strategy has paid off with several young athletes already earning podium finishes in overseas competitions.

Rising Young Stars

Among the country’s emerging talents is 17-year-old Naomi Cesar, who captured the women’s 800-meter gold medal at the 33rd Thailand Southeast Asian Games last December. Her achievement has positioned her as one of the brightest prospects in Philippine track and field.

PATAFA secretary-general Jasper Tanhueco also highlighted the performances of javelin thrower Ana Bianca Espenilla and steeplechaser Jerico Cadag. The pair delivered strong results at the recent Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong, where Espenilla won silver and Cadag secured bronze.

Espenilla’s campaign was particularly noteworthy as she established a new Philippine Under-20 record and personal best of 52.20 meters. Her performance also helped the Philippines emerge as the top-performing Southeast Asian nation in the tournament.

“These are the guys who will be stepping up for our country in the future,” said Tanhueco, who served as head of the Philippine delegation during the Hong Kong competition. He emphasized that the federation’s continued investment in youth athletes is creating a strong pipeline for future international events.

Tanhueco also revealed that Cesar, Espenilla, Jeralyn Rodriguez, and hurdler Ivan Cabanda have qualified to represent the Philippines at the World Athletics U20 Championships scheduled from Aug. 5 to 9 in Eugene, Oregon.

Grassroots Program Expands

The Philippines will also have representation at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, with Cesar and 200-meter runner Pi Durden Wangkay earning spots in the national delegation. The event is scheduled from Oct. 31 to Nov. 13 and provides another valuable opportunity for the country’s young athletes to gain international experience.

Capistrano and Tanhueco likewise pointed to the PATAFA Weekly Relays as a cornerstone of the federation’s grassroots development strategy. The competition series runs for 14 to 16 weeks and regularly features athletes in the Under-18 and Under-20 categories.

According to Tanhueco, the program has attracted a growing number of participants and has become an important platform for talent identification. The races provide young athletes with consistent competition while helping coaches and officials monitor their development.

The federation official noted that World Athletics has recognized the Weekly Relays as an effective model for promoting and developing track and field. The series continues to play a significant role in strengthening the country’s athletics foundation.

Beyond competition, the Weekly Relays also create opportunities for aspiring athletes to earn educational support. Tanhueco said the events have become a valuable scouting ground where universities and major schools can identify talented competitors and offer scholarship opportunities.