Athletes to play for home region   Winning athletes in the Palarong Pambansa will get cash incentives from the Philippine Sports Commission, while they can now play for their home region instead of their adoptive region where they play as student-athletes. The PSC will allocate PhP10 million to incentivize winning athletes which chair Patrick Gregorio announced during the opening of the newly renovated Baguio Teachers Camp last May 16 assured by president Ferdinand Marcos, made the official announcement during the opening of the Palarong Pambansa in Prosperidiad, Agusan del Sur last Sunday. In the president’s directive, the amount is meant “to revitalize the national grassroots sports program.” The groundbreaking initiative during the opening ceremony of the 66th Palarong Pambansa will be implemented by the PSC in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), organizer of the Games. “I am happy to announce to you that for the first time, the Philippine Sports Commission will allocate incentives for the medalists of regular sports and para games in recognition of your skill,” said President Marcos in a video message and quoted in national media. “I know that you will do your best. You will learn a lot from these Games that you can take with you wherever you go. This is where you will learn perseverance, respect, discipline, and compassion for others,” added Marcos. Under the program, gold medalists will receive P5,000, silver medalists P3,000, and bronze medalists P2,000, a move designed to sustain the training and athletic development of the country’s young sports heroes while easing the financial sacrifices made by their families. During his visit here in Baguio, Gregorio said: “To help with the athlete’s training and the expenses of Dad and Mom. This is just a small amount considering the large number of participants and winners in the Palarong Pambansa. This is just a sincere gesture from our government that comes from the heart,…” He emphasized that “the program is not only about financial support but also about sending a powerful message that the government stands firmly behind its young athletes from the very beginning of their journey.” “These incentives will likewise help motivate our young student-athletes to strive harder and to train more diligently. This is help to reach their dreams,” said Gregorio. The fund will come from the PSC’s share from operation of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), headed by Chairman Al Tengco. The fund is expected as a catalyst for deeper investment in grassroots sports. “We are able to do all of this with the help of PAGCOR,” said Gregorio. During said visit here, Gregorio also said that athletes can now play under the region where they came from and not where they are enrolled now. The Palaro, the Batang Pinoy and even the National Private School Athletic Association are venues for recruitment by well-funded Metro Manila universities as well as other learning institutions in highly urbanized areas. PML  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong shared several ongoing and upcoming developments in the Summer Capital’s sports facilities during the recent pre-departure orientation of President Fidel V. Ramos (PFVR) Gymnasium for Baguio athletes joining in the Palarong Pambansa at Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31, this year. He said  the ongoing Athletic Bowl oval rehabilitation is expected to be completed by July this year and plans are  underway for the rehabilitation of the diving pool, while a month-long feasibility study is being conducted to determine the most suitable heating system, whether gas or electric. The city’s athletic complex is also being eyed as a regional training center where national and local athletes can train together for high-altitude sports preparation with improvements to the facility’s lighting system set to be implemented following concerns over high electricity expenses recorded in 2019. Meanwhile, the athletes’ quarters will be upgraded to accommodate more than 90 athletes, particularly during major sporting events and a wall-climbing facility at the back of the complex is expected to be completed within the next two weeks. For the tennis court, existing installations will be removed to meet national standards, with rehabilitation targeted for completion next year. Planned upgrades include spectator covers, canopies, and the establishment of a restaurant, with a prospective operator already identified. Enhancements are also planned for the Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) area, which is currently being used by students for training. The grandstand will undergo improvements, including the installation of proper seating modeled after the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) tennis court design while existing seats with backrests will be removed to prevent damage, although they may still be used as individual seating. Lighting within the athletic complex will also be improved to ensure adequate illumination during nighttime activities. Outside the complex, developments are planned for the football field which may be elevated by up to three meters including parking spaces for around 1,008 vehicles, while an artificial grass field above the parking area is envisioned to host football and international sporting events. Archery facilities will also be integrated into the area. Additionally, near Ganza Restaurant, plans are being considered for the construction of a three-story parking building with a basement, pending confirmation through a technical study. The project is estimated to cost around P646 million and will be government-operated. Magalong expressed support for the PSC proposal to establish a multi-purpose sports complex inside Camp John Hay that will accommodate various sports such as volleyball, basketball, badminton, pickleball, and others. Once completed, Baguio will have three major sports complexes: the Athletic Bowl Sports Complex, Teacher’s Camp and Camp John Hay.-Kyth Dongga-as/PIO-Baguio Intern/gabykeith    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A total of 249 athletes from the Summer Capital attended a pre-departure orientation at the President Fidel V. Ramos (PFVR) Gymnasium spearheaded by the Baguio City School Division, on May 14, 2026. Comprising 60 percent of the entire Team Cordillera delegation, the Baguio athletes are depart in batches from May 17 to 20  to represent the Cordillera Administrative Region in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, Mindanao, set from May 24 to 31, 2026. Chief Education Supervisor Niño M. Tibangay of the Schools Governance and Operations Division discussed important matters including fare allowances, travel guidelines, uniforms, and playing attire for the athletes. Among the participants was 17-year-old basketball player Maxine Hernandez, who will be competing in the Palarong Pambansa for the fourth time. She said that maintaining consistency in training has helped her stay physically prepared despite balancing academic responsibilities and time management challenges. “To my family, thank you for always supporting me in everything I want to do and for always watching my games,” Hernandez said in a message to her parents. Tibangay also acknowledged the challenges posed by limited training facilities but stressed that the athletes were still able to prepare adequately using venues such as the Melvin Jones Football Ground and the Wangal La Trinidad Sports Complex. Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong concluded the orientation with words of encouragement for the delegation. “I wish you all the best. Always take care, especially during your travels. God bless you all,” he said.— Kyth Dongga-as/PIO-Baguio intern/gabykeith

By PIA-CAR   BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Inaasahang mas mahahasa pa ang kakayahan ng mga atleta sa pagbubukas ng bagong kumpuning track oval ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) sa Teachers Camp, Baguio City. Pinangunahan ni PSC Chairperson John Patrick C. Gregorio, kasama si Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, ang pagbubukas ng oval noong Mayo 16, 2026. “Makakatakbo na uli rito ‘yung mga boxers, muay [thai], ‘yung track and field. Nandito si President Erick kanina. Pababalikin na raw niya rito ‘yung mga long-distance runners. Pangalawa, ‘yung community ho. Sa totoo lang, diyan ako excited. You know, when si President Marcos opened that Rizal and Field sports, believe it or not, among 2,000 to 3,000 people ‘yan every night—‘yung 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. And we will do the same thing here in Baguio,” sabi ni Gregorio. Bukas ang oval mula 3 p.m. hanggang 10 p.m. araw-araw. Libre ang paggamit ng oval nguni’t kailangan munang magrehistro. Ang una, pangalawa, at pangatlong linya ay para sa mga mabibilis na tumakbo at mga nag-eensayo na atleta. Ang pang-apat, panglima, at pang-anim na linya naman ay para sa pagtakbo nang dahan-dahan at tuloy-tuloy. Samantala, ang pangpito at pangwalo na linya ay para mga naglalakad. Sinabi ng PSC chairperson na sa loob ng ilang buwan, sisimulan na rin ang pagpapaunlad ng football pitch sa naturang lugar. “Kaya nandito rin ho ‘yung Philippine Football Federation (PFF). It will be a world-class football field. Pitch po siya. Ito po ‘yung turf na bago. PSC rin po ‘yan and Philippine Football Federation,” aniya. Inilahad din ng opisyal ang iba pang inaasahang pagpapaunlad sa mga pasilidad ng isports sa lungsod. “I make sure that I get the support of international federations. So, nag-usap rin ho kami ni Mayor Magalong, ‘yung dinonate namin na P20 million for the Athletic Bowl, ‘yung dormitory ng mga atleta. And then ‘yung susunod po natin diyan ‘yung swimming pool. Kasi kapag mga January to February, masyadong malamig. Kawawa naman ‘yung mga atleta. So, pagtutulungan din po namin ni Mayor Benjie ‘yan,” dagdag pa ni Gregorio. Ayon naman kay Magalong, makatutulong ang mga napagagandang pasilidad para sa pagpapaunlad ng kakayahan at kapabilidad ng mga atleta. “Ang condition lang noon is we’re going to designate ‘yung ating Athletic Bowl as a regional training center. So, mag-le-level up na naman ‘yung ating mga athletes kasi they will be training with regional champions, at the same time, with national players as well. Kaya gaganda din ang performance ng ating mga athletes sa siyudad ng Baguio,” sabi ni Magalong. Nakibahagi rin sa pagbubukas ng track oval sina Muay Thai world champion Islay Erika Bomogao, Olympic medalist na si Nesthy Petecio at Olympian Eumir Marcial.  (JDP/DEG- PIA-CAR w/ UC intern Angela A. Espiritu)  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured the plans to rehabilitate the swimming pool at the Baguio City Athletic Bowl, on April 27, 2026, following concerns raised about its condition and usability for athletes. Magalong said funds have already been secured for the pool’s full rehabilitation, with additional support pledged by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). It will be recalled that PSC Chairman John Patrick Gregorio committed to developing Baguio as a regional training center, promising to assist the city in upgrading its sports facilities, including the Baguio Athletic Bowl and the swimming pool. The mayor said a key challenge in the rehabilitation is maintaining the pool’s temperature at around 25 to 27 degrees Celsius, which is necessary for athlete training. He said initial studies showed that existing solar panels alone cannot meet the heating requirements, leading to the decision to conduct a feasibility study to determine the most suitable heating system, considering either an electric or gas-fed option. He said early findings suggest a gas-fed system may be more viable. The study, being completed by the City Engineering Office, is expected to be finalized within two weeks. Magalong also said the city will proceed with rehabilitating the facility’s solar panels, which will likely be repurposed to supply heated water for showers instead of the pool. In the meantime, the City Sports Division said it is working out a short-term solution — repairing the existing system if still possible — while the procurement of new heaters is underway. The division conducted an inspection of the heaters on April 28, together with the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO), sports officials, and coaches. Meanwhile, Magalong said the PSC has committed an additional P20 million to complete the athletes’ quarters. Plans are also underway to revive the facility’s diving pool, which had previously been considered for conversion into another training pool. He said the city will work out more funding once the feasibility study is completed to ensure the full rehabilitation of the swimming facility. (By Aileen P. Refuerzo)  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Teamwork took center stage as Grant Atonen, Raynon James De Guzman, and Dirk Jacinth Pascaden captured gold in the Recurve Division Team Elimination (14 Under) at Batang Pinoy 2025. What started as a group of individuals grew into a disciplined and tightly connected team through consistent training and shared experiences. From initially feeling unfamiliar with one another, the trio developed strong chemistry by pushing each other daily, correcting mistakes, and building trust both on and off the field. The road to gold was not without challenges. The team had to overcome nerves, self-doubt, and even a difficult roster adjustment that tested their unity. Still, they relied on constant communication and encouragement, reminding each other to stay calm, focused, and confident in the skills they had worked hard to develop. Under pressure, their teamwork became their greatest advantage. They supported one another not just technically, but also emotionally, helping steady nerves and maintain composure during crucial moments. Their victory is more than just a medal; it is a testament to discipline, resilience, and the strength of a shared goal. For these young archers, Batang Pinoy 2025 marks the beginning of a promising journey, driven by unity and the belief that together, they can aim even higher. – Diana Elizabeth B. Florague/DMMMSU PIO Intern/mag    

By Rachel Magday   Brenda Ramos Zinampan of Bascaran, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, was named Masters Athlete of the Year at the 3rd All-Women Sports Awards of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). The ceremony, held recently at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, honored 83 female athletes and sports leaders for their achievements and contributions to Philippine sports. Zinampan, 48, received the award following her strong showing at the 23rd Asia Masters Athletics Championships in Chennai, India, where she won four gold medals in the Women’s 45+ division. She topped the 400-meter hurdles, 100-meter dash, 80-meter hurdles, and pole vault, cementing her status as one of the country’s top masters athletes. Zinampan began competing in athletics during her high school years through the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Athletics Association Meet, later advancing to the CAVRAA Meet and the Palarong Pambansa. She stepped away from competition after Palarong Pambansa to pursue college studies and later focused on teaching and coaching. She returned to competitive athletics in her 40s and went on to achieve success in international masters competitions. The PSC All-Women Sports Awards recognizes the achievements of women in sports and their role in inspiring future generations of Filipino athletes.      

By Ruben A.Veloria   IBA, Zambales- The local provincial government of Zambales honored local athletes, coaches, and sports officials for finishing 1st Runner-Up over-all in this year’s Central Luzon Athletic Association (CLRAA) Meet. Board Member Rundy Ebdane, representing Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., greeted the athletes and delegates with celebratory beats of drums and echoing hooray to congratulate each member of Team Zambales for the successful CLRAA campaign in Tarlac and Aurora. Other key sports officials also were present, including BM Carl Eric Rico, Ass’t Schools Div. Supt. Alberto M. Otchengco Jr., Jade Ballesteros, Provincial Sports Devt. Officer, and Larraine B. Rico, Exec. Ass’t to the Governor, who have both shown steadfast support for the development of Zambaleño athletic talent. Athletes who wsports on gold, silver and bronze medals in various sports disciplines, were specially recognized alongside their respective coaches. They also received cash incentives as token of appreciation, and as a concrete show of support of the local administration and for their sacrifice and achievements. In his congratulatory message, Gov. Ebdane extended his gratitude to the athletes and sports officials who brought pride to the province. He also said that once the sports complex and football stadium were completed, sports in Zambales will go through in a greater heights. “Let us work together for Zambales! Sulong Zambales, Arangkada Zambaleño!” Gov. Ebdane expressed in immense joy and pride over the team’s accomplishments, emphasizing that all achievements come from unity, discipline, and continuous support from the government, schools, coaches, and families.      

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – The Summer Capital will again serve as the final stage venue of the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026, a major multi-stage cycling race slated from April 29 to May 13, 2026. With the theme, “A Heritage in Motion,” this year’s race edition will cover more than 1,800 kilometers and pass through 13 provinces across five regions with a total of 20 teams, including five international squads expected to compete in the 14-stage event. The race will begin at CaSoBe in Calatagan and will traverse key locations such as Tagaytay, New Clark City, Palayan City, Bayombong, Tuguegarao, Pagudpud and parts of the Ilocos region and Pangasinan. The final and most anticipated stage will culminate at Scout Hill in Camp John Hay which is known for its challenging uphill terrain that is expected to test the endurance and skill of the riders. Throughout the race, cyclists will face 25 King of the Mountain climbs and 16 sprint segments, making it one of the most demanding editions of the tour. Organizers said the event aims to strengthen the country’s cycling scene while boosting tourism in host areas, with Baguio City playing a key role as the concluding venue of the prestigious race. Mayor Benjamin Magalong welcomed the event which was also successfully hosted by the city last year and the previous ones. The mayor said the nationally recognized cycling event is expected to draw, apart from the participating teams, race officials, support personnel, media representatives and spectators from different parts of the country. To ensure the success of the event, the mayor mobilized concerned offices to provide support to the organizers. (Aileen P. Refuerzo)