New Clark City, Philippines —  As a part of the agency’s broader vision to transform New Clark City in Tarlac into a premier sports destination,  the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has partnered with the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) for the establishment and development of the Philippine Tennis Center within the property. On Wednesday, 10 September 2025, BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang and PHILTA Secretary General John Rey M. Tiangco, who also serves as Navotas City Mayor, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), paving the way for the establishment of the Philippine Tennis Center in New Clark City. “I have always believed that athletic excellence does not begin on the world stage. It begins in our communities. That’s why the BCDA is extremely proud and looking forward to this project. This helps us ensure that every Filipino child with a dream of becoming a tennis player– regardless of where they come from– has the chance to pursue it,” Engr. Bingcang said. In a gesture of gratitude, Hon. Tiangco extended his appreciation to the BCDA for their new partnership. “The perfect place to build this facility is no other than New Clark city because of our shared vision for sports tourism,” Hon. Tiangco said during the ceremony. For the project, the BCDA has allocated approximately 10 hectares within New Clark City, aiming to build a world-class tennis center adhering to international standards. This new facility will not only provide top-tier resources but also bolster grassroots development and youth training programs for tennis players. This initiative is a key part of New Clark City’s vision to become a smart, green, and resilient urban center, as well as a national sports hub. The new facility is expected to boost sports tourism and stimulate economic growth while providing quality, accessible sports facilities for both athletes and the general public. Furthermore, the project aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which aims to position the country as a hub for sports, wellness, and tourism. New Clark City houses top-tier facilities, including World Athletics-certified Athletics Stadium, which has a 20,000-seating capacity with a nine-lane 400-meter track and field, and another four-lane warm-up track; as well as the World Aquatics-approved Aquatics Center, boasting a total seating capacity of 2,000, a 10-lane competition pool, eight-lane training pool and a diving pool. Additionally, the 525-unit Athletes’ Village provides accommodations for participating and training athletes. The rising metropolis also serves as the home for the National Academy of Sports, for which the BCDA has also committed to constructing a dormitory and dining hall to accommodate 400 student-athletes. Also present during the ceremony were BCDA Chairperson Atty. Larry B. Paredes and PHILTA Executive Director Marie Antoinette S. Mendoza.      

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines — Reinforcing its position as a major sports destination in the country, Clark Freeport will host the Sports Tourism Forum at the SMX Convention Center Clark on November 7, 2025. Sports and tourism stakeholders from national sports associations and clubs, local government units, hotel and resort executives, sports and MICE event organizers, sports facility managers and corporate sponsors from across the country are expected to attend this one day forum, organized by Philippine Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc. supported by Clark Development Corporation, Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotion Board, SMX Clark and the Bases Conversion  and Development Authority. Strongly supporting the call of President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos, Jr, to make sports events a catalyst to boosting tourism in the country, Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc has intensified its role in organizing a series of fora across the country with the support of the Department of Tourism, under the leadership of Secretary Christina G Frasco. “The Philippines is off the starting blocks to prove itself as a great sports host country. International sporting events such as the FIBA World Cup in 2023, the ongoing FIVB World Championship and the forthcoming FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, are great testimonies of our capability and popularity as a sports hub,” explained Charles Lim, President and CEO of Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc. as well as founder and chairman of the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards. A power packed panel of international and local speakers, headed by the President of the International Children’s Games, Mr Igor Topole will further intensify the Philippines thrust in sports tourism. Other speakers invited include  Ms Maggie Hsu the Sports Administrator of the Ministry of Education, Taiwan, Ms Marga M Nograles, COO of the Tourism Promotion Board, Mr Patrick Gregorio, Chairman, Philippine Sports Commission, Ms Princess Galura, President and General Manager, Sunrise Events, Inc., Mr Carlo Sampan, Milo Marathon Program Director and Mr Robby Alabado, Director Department of Tourism “Maximizing and sustaining our sports programs and facilities is still a challenge for major sports hubs while local sports tournaments can be developed in small cities into national and international events. These are topics we will be discussing at the Forum,” revealed Lim. Economic, cultural, socio, environmental and sports development impact on host cities will also be tackled by the panel of expert speakers. Clark Development Corporation will host a cultural dinner closing ceremony at the launching of the Happening On The Green for all delegates. For registration and more information, contact arantxa.selrahco@gmail.com (+639208404817) or jade.selrahco@gmail.com (+639604374034)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  — Chaya Clear Finmokod wasn’t planning to become a Wushu athlete but simply followed her curiosity as less than a year later, the 18-year-old from the City of Pines is a Batang Pinoy 2024 gold medalist. She started training in 2023 after hearing about a combat sports program in school. “It was related to my past sport, so I got curious and asked about it. Before I knew it, I was already joining the Wushu training,” she said. But the road to Batang Pinoy 2024 wasn’t without its challenges since Chaya, who specializes in Sanda (sparring), trained two months ahead of the competition and her coach helped her and her teammates sharpen their skills and build their stamina. Still, staying consistent proved to be the most difficult part of her journey. “I tried to motivate myself, but sometimes I couldn’t attend training. But with the support and push from my coaches, I still managed to keep going until the end,” Chaya admitted. Despite the struggles, Chaya remained focused as her eyes were set on growth—not just as an athlete, but as a person. “What keeps me going is my passion for the sport, the goals I’ve set for myself, and the thought that I can always be better than I was yesterday,” she said. For Chaya, representing Baguio City at Batang Pinoy 2024 wasn’t just about the medals. “It was a great experience. It wasn’t just about the matches, but also about the fun and friendships built along the way,” she said. One of the most unforgettable moments for her was winning her semifinal match—a moment that gave her the confidence she needed to push through to the finals. When her name was finally announced as the gold medalist, Chaya felt a wave of emotions. “It felt unreal and emotional. All the hard work, sweat, and struggles paid off. I felt proud not just for myself but for everyone who supported me,” she stressed. Chaya credits her success to the people around her—coaches, teammates, and family—who pushed her forward. “They were my motivation, support system, and inspiration throughout the journey.” As for what’s next, Chaya remains committed to her training and is looking forward to more competitions and opportunities to improve, not just physically but also mentally. “The next step I want to take is focusing more on both my physical and mental growth,” she said. Chaya is proof that sometimes, all it takes is a spark of interest, a little courage, and the will to keep showing up even when it’s difficult.-Heidi V. Alonzo/Baguio PIO intern/gabykeith        

The city government of Baguio, led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, and city council members, congratulates the Baguio Airsoft Club – Airsoft Practical Shooting for successfully earning spots in the Action Air World Shoot 2025 held at Iloilo Convention Center. The team is composed of Martius Laranang, Christine Kiangan, Emmanuelle Ray Lardizabal, Pablo Miguel Palaganas, and Nicholas Caster Palaganas, who earned podium finishes in the junior categories, winning a Bronze Medal in the Junior Team Division and a Silver Medal in the Super Junior Team Division. They received a frame copy of Resolution numbered 527, Series of 2025, during the September 2 Flag Raising Ceremony at the Baguio City Multipurpose Hall. – NCO  

The Provincial Government of La Union proudly congratulates our #BidangLUcal, Kyla Louise Bulaga, for qualifying for the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, to be held in Thailand this December 2025. Kyla will be part of the Philippine swimming delegation, proudly representing the nation in this prestigious biennial event. Good luck, Kyla!

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Some one hundred golfers are expected to join the inaugural staging of the Victory Day Golf Cup scheduled on September 3, 2025 at the Camp John Hay  fairway. The 1st Victory Day Golf Cup is one of the activities that had been lined up to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in the country, marking the surrender of Japanese Imperial Army head Gen.Tomoyoki Yamashita that signaled the end of World War 2. Republic Act 11216 declared every September 3 as Victory Day in the country in honor of the courage and sacrifice of Filipino and American soldiers who fought side by side for the country’s freedom but despite its historical significance, the day remains less recognized than other national commemorations such as Araw ng Kagitingan or the Day of Valor. Miguel Angelo Villa-real, 1st vice president for marketing and corporate communications of the Philippine Veterans Bank, said that the golf tournament is more than a sporting event, it is a tribute to heroism and a call to preserve history as proceeds will be used for the refurbishment and development of World War 2 historical markets in the city to ensure that the legacy of the heroes continues to inspire future generations. Further, he claimed that Veterans Bank wants to lead the way in changing the perception of the people on the commemoration of Victory Day by hosting a meaningful and engaging event at Camp John hay, near the site where Yamashita signed his surrender documents around eight decades ago. The Veterans Bank official invited golfers to join the local government in commemorating the historic milestone and help preserve the memory of those who fought for the country’s liberation from the titanic Japanese rule. He said that the proposed refurbishment and improvement of the World War II markers will be rolled out the soonest so that by the next commemoration, of Victory Day, people will be able to witness significant changes to allow them to think and reflect on the significance of the markers in connection to the freedom that they are now enjoying.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – At only 12 years of age, Daryl Dame Eslay, a budding kickboxing athlete from the Summer Capital, recently made his mark at Batang Pinoy 2024 by winning gold in his event proving that age is no barrier when passion and discipline come together. Daryl began his kickboxing training two years ago, inspired by someone close to home—his uncle, a kickboxing coach and what started as a family influence quickly turned into a passion, as he committed himself fully to the sport. Balancing school and sports is no easy feat for a student-athlete like Daryl, but he has found a rhythm. “We train every day, even on weekends and school days,” he said as he admitted that this kind of setup can be tiresome but that he has gotten used to it to the point that the tiring days of training are now like a walk in the park. This consistent dedication to training prepared him for one of the biggest moments in his young athletic career: representing Baguio City at Batang Pinoy 2024. For Daryl, competing on a national stage was a moment of pride. “I am happy because I got the gold medal,” he stressed. Beyond the win, however, it was his and his teammates’ sense of unity and faith that undoubtedly left him a lasting impression. “What stood out the most for me is whenever we compete in a competition, we pray first.” For Daryl, these shared moments are a reminder that winning isn’t just about strength, but also about camaraderie and shared belief. Behind every successful athlete is a support system and Daryl is no exception as he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the coaches, teammates and sponsors who have supported him in his kickboxing journey that made his road to winning the gold medal possible. With gold around his neck and fire in his spirit, Daryl Dame Eslay is a reminder that great things come to those who train hard, stay humble and never stop fighting for their dreams.(Heidi Alonzo/Baguio PIO intern/Gaby Keith)

NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — Showcasing its commitment to transforming the Philippines into a hub for world-class sports facilities, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has partnered with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to optimize the use of BCDA properties for national sports development. On Wednesday, August 13, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang and PSC Chairperson John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that aims to modernize the country’s sports infrastructure by leveraging key BCDA assets. Under the agreement, BCDA and PSC will form a joint task force to identify and assess BCDA properties that can be developed into premier training and sports facilities. Among the priority locations are New Clark City, which is envisioned to host a national training center and Baguio City, identified for the establishment of an additional high-performance facility. “This partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission is a force multiplier. By linking BCDA’s land development capabilities with PSC’s national sports mission, together we are laying the groundwork for future champions and promoting a healthier, more active Filipino nation,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said. The initiative will also explore innovative funding models like public-private partnerships, implement advanced design and construction methods, and establish professional management to ensure the creation of world-class, sustainable, and self-sufficient sports infrastructure. Furthermore, this collaborative effort will maximize the utilization of government resources, promote long-term sports development, and foster a new beginning of excellence in Philippine sports. “The President’s directive is clear: build from the grassroots. We are building regional training centers across the country to speed up the national sports development agenda. Why? These are investments that combine youth empowerment with economic progress. I am happy the BCDA and PSC are equally committed to creating opportunities for regional development through sports,” PSC Chairman Gregorio said. New Clark City, positioned as the country’s new premier sports destination, boasts top-tier facilities, including World Athletics-certified Athletics Stadium, which has a 20,000-seating capacity with a nine-lane 400-meter track and field, and another four-lane warm-up track; as well as the World Aquatics-approved Aquatics Center, boasting a total seating capacity of 2,000, a 10-lane competition pool, eight-lane training pool and a diving pool. Additionally, the 525-unit Athletes’ Village provides accommodations for participating and training athletes in New Clark City. The rising metropolis also serves as the home for the National Academy of Sports. BCDA’s new initiative strongly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), bringing both health and infrastructure benefits to our community. It directly contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by creating opportunities for healthy lifestyles at every age. Furthermore, it supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by investing in new, resilient infrastructure and pioneering innovation in sports science and training. Also present to witness the event were BCDA Chairperson Atty. Larry B. Paredes and PSC Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo.      

  After his inspiring debut at the IMMAF Youth World Championships 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Alexander “The Dreamer” Tagure Jr. is once again preparing to raise the Philippine flag, this time at the 1st Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA) Youth Championship in Manama, Bahrain, from August 27 to 31, 2025. According to AMMA, “the event not only showcases rising talents across Asia’s mixed martial arts scene but also serves as the official qualifying tournament for the 3rd Asian Youth Games, which will be staged in Bahrain this October.” This will be Alexander’s second competition abroad, having already proven himself on the world stage. Bahrain now marks his entry into the Asian circuit and a step that keeps his journey moving forward. “If he places high enough or wins in Bahrain, he qualifies for the Asian Youth Games — where MMA will be a medal sport for the first time in history,” his coach, Erwin Tagure, said. Coach Erwin likewise expressed gratitude to those who have supported Alexander since day one. “Iyaman,” he said, recalling the struggles and small victories that brought them here. For him, Alexander’s journey is not only about personal triumph but also about sparking belief in others. “We hope our story inspires more youth to believe in themselves, work hard, and chase opportunities that once felt impossible.” In Abu Dhabi, Alexander faced tough competition from seasoned youth fighters around the globe yet made a strong impression earning respect not only for his skill but also for the spirit he brought into the cage. That debut laid the foundation for his growing reputation as one of the promising young athletes to watch. From Tabuk to Abu Dhabi, and now Bahrain, Alexander carries not only his own hopes but the spirit of every young fighter dreaming of the global stage. And as he sharpens his skills for this next challenge, Erwin is certain of one thing, “The dream did not end in Abu Dhabi. It’s only growing stronger.” (Province of Kalinga Page_ Good luck, Alexander! Photo by: Tribu Banwar