FORT DEL PILAR, Philippines — SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH) and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) have signed a memorandum of agreement for the construction of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall in Fort Del Pilar, expanding the academy’s core training and communal facilities. The development will feature a two-story building with a multipurpose hall capable of accommodating 2,500 individuals. It can be used for training exercises, official gatherings, and indoor sports. The project will also include office spaces and a 1.6-kilometer running track to support cadet activities. Designed by JSLA Architects, the project emphasizes typhoon resilience, given Baguio’s climate conditions and PMA’s requirement for durable, long-life infrastructure. Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, Superintendent of the PMA, said the partnership aligns with PMA’s role in producing officers grounded in character and service. “PMA produces leaders anchored in honor, integrity, and selfless service—leaders of character,” Valencia said. “This is the PMA’s contribution to the nation, and this is what the generosity of SM Prime strengthens.” Valencia said the facilities will play a significant role in exemplifying discipline, resilience, and leadership under pressure: “The new mess hall and athletic oval are not merely physical structures; they are integral to the formation of leaders. They shape discipline, resilience, teamwork, and character—qualities that can never be taught in classrooms alone.” He said the project aligns with the academy’s transformation agenda, focused on holistic leadership formation. “This infrastructure inspires excellence and helps advance our vision for the transformation of the academy,” he said. Valencia also highlighted the role of shared spaces in cadet development. “The mess hall is where discipline becomes a habit, where unity is forged, and shared sacrifice is lived fully,” he said. “The athletic oval is where resilience is built, limits are tested, and the warrior ethos is defined—qualities essential for leadership under pressure.” Citing SM Group’s initiatives in education, Valencia said the company has consistently delivered world-class, technologically advanced facilities designed to endure generations. “Today, we are both humbled and proud that PMA will receive the same standard of excellence,” he said. “These facilities will serve not only today’s cadets but generations of future officers. The PMA is now even more inspired to be always better than yesterday.”  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong thanked the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for including Baguio City in their joint program upgrading different sports facilities and strengthening athlete development nationwide. Magalong said the PAGCOR and PSC will provide funding to complete the last phase of the construction of the athletes quarters and the rehabilitation of the swimming pool, both located at the Baguio Athletic Bowl. This is PAGCOR and PSC’s way of supporting the ongoing rehabilitation of the Athletic Bowl “to serve as the Regional Training Center for the Cordilleras to feature a track and field oval with grandstand, an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts and other athletic amenities.” The city government funded the ongoing rehabilitation works at the Athletic Bowl including the athletes’ quarters, swimming pool, the track oval, wall climbing and obstacle course and the mayor and the City Sports Division said PAGCOR and PSC’s fund augmentation will be a big help in the completion of these facilities. Aside from the financial support for the upgrading of sports infrastructure, PAGCOR is said to have supported PSC’s “sports value chain empowerment initiatives, including a revitalized grassroots sports development program (including) the provision of sports equipment nationwide, integration of sports education, coach empowerment, and the systematic identification and development of athletic talent.” The mayor said the city expects to also be included in all of these programs. The city recently received an assortment of gym equipment from the PSC for use in athletes’ physical training. Last January 19, 2026, the city also received professional-grade obstacle sports equipment from the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF), represented by president Alberto Agra. The mayor received the donated equipment which include a comprehensive set of training gear — Multi Rig (1) [9′ x 20′]: Equipped with 13 monkey bars and 7 rotating wheels; Multi Rig (2) [9′ x 20′]: Featuring two lanes of rings (7 per line), a 4-panel cliff hanger, and a rope climb; Wall Elements: An Over/Under wall (4′ x 10′), a Thru wall (6′ x 10′), and a specialized 6-foot wall; and Agility Gear: 5-foot hurdles for speed and coordination training. Mgalong said the city will include an Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) development   program in training aspiring athletes. The city has Team Baguio OCR Kids under the tutelage of SEA Games gold medalist and coach Sandi Menchi Abahan, alongside coach Domz Lobredo. (Aileen P. Refuerzo)    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong has broached the idea of placing sports and tourism under one national department, saying the move could strengthen economic growth, promote Filipino culture, and create more sustainable opportunities for communities across the country. Magalong said sports and tourism naturally work hand in hand. Sporting events attract visitors who spend on hotels, food, transport, and local attractions, while tourism provides venues, audiences, and exposure that help athletes and sports programs grow. According to the mayor, treating sports events as tourism products allows countries to maximize their social and economic impact. He noted that several countries, including Croatia, Thailand, Burkina Faso, South Africa and Vietnam have already combined sports and tourism under one ministry or department. These nations plan events strategically to promote culture, increase visitor arrivals, reduce off-season travel, and provide steady income for local communities. Vietnam can be a benchmark among SEA countries with  its own Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), which in 2025 launched the Tourism Development Stimulus Program, bundling promotional events and major national celebrations that include sports and cultural events to attract more tourists and enhance visitor experiences. “At the city level, we can already see how this works,” Magalong said, citing Bangkok as an example where regular sports, cultural, and tourism events support hotels, transport services, small businesses, and creative industries year-round. The mayor added that the Philippines has also benefited from sports-tourism synergy. Major events such as the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and international competitions like IRONMAN races boosted tourism and business activity in host regions, even during off-peak seasons. These experiences, he said, show how sports can help make tourism more stable and sustainable when properly planned. Magalong pointed to Baguio City as a strong local example. Its cool climate, high elevation, and mountainous terrain make it ideal for high-altitude training, attracting national athletes and sports teams. The city also hosts major events such as the Sang-atan Bike Festival and the Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament, which draw participants and visitors from across the country and abroad. “These activities bring a steady flow of visitors and support hotels, restaurants, transport services, and local businesses,” he said. “More importantly, they strengthen Baguio’s image as a sports, wellness, and training destination.” Magalong said placing sports and tourism under one department would allow better planning, shared resources, and a clearer national strategy. He expressed hope that Malacañang would consider the proposal, stressing that when sports and tourism grow together, the benefits extend to athletes, visitors, local communities, and the national economy. – Aileen P. Refuerzo          

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — To ensure that John Hay Golf remains open to the public and maintained to world-class standards, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has approved a one-year extension of the interim operations and maintenance contract of Golfplus Management, Inc. and Duck Sports and Music Productions, Inc. for John Hay Golf in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. The extension secures uninterrupted operations through 2026, following the successful transition of John Hay Golf into a public golf facility. This ensures continued access for golfers, residents, and visitors while BCDA undertakes longer-term arrangements for its sustainable management. BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang emphasized that the stewardship of the John Hay Golf Course remains a priority, with a strong commitment to preserving its historic character while responsibly managing the property. “Extending the interim management ensures the uninterrupted operation of the John Hay Golf Course all while safeguarding public access and maintaining the quality of services expected by golfers and visitors,” he added. As part of the extended engagement, the interim management will also organize the BCDA Chairman’s Cup in 2026, alongside the continued implementation of facility and amenity improvements. The management is likewise set to sustain the hosting of major events, tournaments, and related activities, further strengthening the golf course’s role as a premier sports and recreation destination in Baguio City. The John Hay Golf course will remain open to the public, with various playing rights and access options available, subject to the payment of applicable green fees. ‘Best shape I’ve seen’ Recently, John Hay Golf, together with the Baguio Country Club, hosted the Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament, one of the Asia-Pacific region’s longest-running amateur tournaments. “The course is actually in the best shape I’ve seen John Hay. The greens are fair and the fairways are actually very lush. It is great playing today, this 75th edition of the FilAm,” Luisita team skipper Abe Rosal said in an interview. Beyond tournaments, John Hay Golf is investing in the future of Philippine golf. In partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission and the National Golf Association of the Philippines, the facility grants free access to boys and girls aged 18 and below, supporting early talent discovery and long-term athlete development. The extension underscores BCDA’s commitment to keeping John Hay Golf open, inclusive, and well-managed as a public asset for present and future generations.                  

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, together with Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Patrick Gregorio, conducts an inspection on January 9, 2026, of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Baguio Athletic Bowl. Among the facilities inspected were the track oval, tennis court, swimming pool and athletes’ quarter. Commissioner Gregorio was impressed by the facility’s large area and improved appearance, noting its potential to become a regional sports training center in the Cordillera. The rehabilitation project, with a budget of ₱85 million, is expected to be completed by May this year. -AUB    

By Pigeon Lobien   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Former University of Baguio High School chess standout Brylle Gever Vinluan made 6.5 of 8 points to rule the 5th Manuel Verzola Caba Chess Tournament in Caba, La Union last December 27 to complete a troika of chess tourneys for Teddy Sarmiento during the Christmas week. Vinluan, who went to the National University and took part in the Bulldogs chess squad’s campaign in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines finished sole first half a point of three others to rule the event that offered PhP10,000 to the winner. A week earlier, the San Fabian, Pangasinan born Vinluan visited his old chess base in the Baguio Center Mall where he finished 10th place despite the top seed. Three players occupied second to fourth places with six points a-piece, but Brix Ceasar Cafuir took the top spot with his 31-tie break point. Finishing third was Fernan Quiban with 29 tie break point just half a point ahead of best female finisher Brena Mae Membrere. Cuifar and Quiban when home PhP3,000 and PhP2,000 the richer after their second and third place finishes. After a hectic Christmas schedule, Sarmiento is looking forward to hosting the 14th Gopalarong Ahedres Rapid Chess Tournament at the Baguio Center Mall on January 3. The three-division tournament that offers more than PhP16,000 in cash prizes has an ope division as well as 12 under and 16 under divisions. The open champion walks home with PhP3,500. On January 17, the Baguio Pines City Chess Club which Sarmiento is president will officiate the 30th Rapid Chess Tournament of the Knights and Minds Association, Inc. The National Chess Federation of the Philippines sanctioned event will be played at the BCM Events Center where NCFP members will earn rating points. The event is open to NCFP members and new members can play after paying the membership fee of PhP650, the BPCCC announced.        

NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — Filipino national athletes will now have sustained, year-round access to competition-grade training venues, following a partnership between the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). PSC and its accredited national sports associations can regularly utilize New Clark City’s sports facilities, such as the Athletics Stadium, the Aquatics Center, and the Athletes’ Village. The arrangement directly strengthens athlete preparation for major international competitions while ensuring that government-built sports infrastructure delivers continuous public value. With regular access to competition-grade tracks, pools, and athlete housing, national teams can train with consistency, reduce logistical costs, and follow long-term, science-based training programs aligned with international standards. PSC Chairperson John Patrick C. Gregorio said: “This is truly a partnership made in heaven. BCDA develops and manages high-value land and infrastructure, while PSC ensures these facilities are maximized for the training and development of our national teams.” The agreement integrates the New Clark City sports facilities into the national sports system, enabling continuous high-performance training operations. BCDA said this maximizes the value of government-built infrastructure and positions New Clark City as the country’s primary high-performance sports hub. “This partnership ensures that public investments directly support Filipino athletes and deliver measurable outcomes,” BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang said. “When facilities are fully utilized, athletes benefit, and the public sees clear returns.” In August this year, BCDA and PSC also formed a joint task force to identify and assess BCDA-owned properties that can be developed into elite training and sports facilities. Priority sites include New Clark City, which is being advanced as a national training center, and Baguio City, identified for the development of a multispecialty high-performance sports facility to support athlete preparation across different environments. Setting a governance benchmark, BCDA and PSC will jointly manage scheduling, maintenance protocols, and facility standards through a technical working group, ensuring transparency, sustainability, and accountability in the use of public assets. New Clark City is a 9,450-hectare greenfield development inside the Clark Special Economic Zone positioned to be an inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and smart city. This major metropolis is being developed by BCDA to help decongest Metro Manila, and to serve as an investment hub to catalyze growth in Central Luzon.

BAGUIO CITY, Philipiines — While Eastridge Primehomes ruled the premier divisions of the 75th Januarius Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament, it was title sponsor Januarius that emerged as the most decorated team as the two-week event concluded last Saturday at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay golf courses. Battling intermittent rains that disrupted schedules and shortened several rounds, Januarius fielded five teams—one in the Seniors division and four in the regular flights—and came away with four trophies, an impressive 80 percent podium rate. Januarius Golf Team 1 finished runner-up to Eastridge Primehomes 1 in the prestigious Fil Championship but made up for it by capturing titles in Fil-A and Am-A, underscoring the depth of the squad. In Fil-A, Januarius erased a one-point deficit after two rounds and delivered a flight-best 115 at Baguio Country Club on the final day to post a 359 total, winning by 19 points. The third round was cancelled due to heavy afternoon rains. Januarius also dominated Am-A, opening with a three-point lead and steadily pulling away before closing with a flight-best 128, highlighted by a one-under 37 from Marco Olives, for a 316 aggregate and a commanding 16-point victory in the rain-shortened competition. The lone setback came in Seniors Fil-B, where Januarius surrendered a five-point overnight lead and bowed to Macquarrie Links Sydney 1, 298–305, after being outscored 62–74 in the final round. Meanwhile, Eastridge Primehomes enjoyed a flawless podium run, finishing three-for-three across divisions. Primehomes 1 dominated the Fil Championship, while Primehomes 2 claimed the Am Championship after holding off a late rally by sister team EGC–Primehomes, winning by just two points. Green Water Golfers settled for second in the Am Championship Seniors after being edged by Mamala Bay but successfully defended the Fil-C crown. Other multiple podium finishers included Team Surigao, with Kyro 1 winning Fil-D, Bebang placing third in Am-C, and Kyro 2 finishing runner-up in Am-F. Moto captured the Seniors Am-A title and added two third-place finishes in Fil-B and Fil-E. Week Two Champions Fil Championship: Eastridge Primehomes 1, Januarius GT 1, Batangas Barakos–Supremo Am Championship: Eastridge Primehomes 2, EGC–Primehomes, Team M Fil-A: Januarius Ovialand GT 1, X1R Smartscore 1, Batangas Barakos Am-A: Januarius GT 2, Rivera Golf, Grumpy Joe–Angeles Fil-B: Team Master, Srixon IMG, Moto Am-B: Alpha Phi Omega GC–Team Omega, Eddmari/MCG, Master Golfers Fil-C: Green Water Golfers, Fil-Am League of Golfers Chicago 1, Liloan–Let’s Golf Pare Am-C: FB Bantales Engineering, El Kapitan, Team Surigao–Bebang Fil-D: Surigao Kyro 1, 3K Immpugo, FLCA–Gators Am-D: Team PHOAS Uraguns, FLCA–Bears, Baguio Country Club 2 Fil-E: Team Kumpadres, Baguio Blue Bloods–Eagles, Moto–MLPSI 1 Am-E: Royal Northwoods 2, Januarius Ovialand 2, Fil-Am League of Golfers Chicago 2 Fil-F: Baguio City Golf Team, Jaco Farm, City of Pines Am-F: Fil Golfers of Honolulu 1, Surigao Kyro 2, Silicon Valley Golfers Link 2 Individual Champions Ronel Taga-an (Championship), Jonar Austria (Group 1), Don Dennis Fontanos (Group 2), Rolando delos Santos (Group 3), Robbie Charles Roberson (Group 4), Michael John Mangio (Group 5), Raul Abrenia (Group 6), Lito Fuentes (Group 7), Jay Bitao (Group and Manny Obrera (Group 9).      

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Eastridge–Primehomes completed a dominant showing in the Regular Division as it swept the championships of the 75th Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament, while Green Water Golfers held their nerve to secure the Fil-C title at the Baguio Country Club on Saturday. Edison Tabalin once again turned Baguio Country Club into his personal playground, firing a one-over 35 points to lead Eastridge–Primehomes Team 1 to a 124-point closing round and a commanding 532-point total, good for a 32-point victory and a second straight Fil-Championship crown. Tabalin topped the scorecard for the second consecutive day for the defending champions, with Ronel Taga-an adding 33 points, while Bobe Salahog and Miko Granada chipped in 29 and 27, respectively. Januarius Golf Team settled for second with a 113-point final round and 500 total, led by Coby Rolida’s 31, while Terence Macatangay and Chuckie Hong posted matching 30s. Batangas Barakos–Supremo claimed third place with a 470 total after closing with 105 points. In the other Fil-Championship flight, Eastridge–Primehomes Team 2 edged sister team EGC–Primehomes by just two points, finishing with a 129-point final round for a 350 aggregate. Ralph Ryan Batican and Patrick Gene Tambalque led the champions with 33 points each, while Vito Sarines and Gary Sales added 32 and 31, respectively. EGC–Primehomes mounted a strong challenge with a flight-best 141, highlighted by a three-under 39 from AJ Wacan and a one-under 37 from Zianbeau Thrs Edoc, but settled for second with 348. Team M placed third with 310 after a 120-point finish. Fil-C drama: Green Water Golfers redeem themselves Denied the Amateur Championship Seniors title last week, Douglas Puckett and Suny Fontilea found redemption by teaming up with Eric Espadero and John Paul Puckett to capture the Fil-C crown. Green Water Golfers closed with a 67-point round for a 247 total, enough to hold off the field. Fontilea led the charge with 23 points, Douglas Puckett added 19, while John Paul Puckett and Espadero contributed 11 each. Puckett said weather disruptions played a role in the tournament’s drama, as the third round was cancelled after several flights failed to complete play due to rain. “We were already finished, but many of the players in our flight were not,” Puckett said. Fontilea said the victory was particularly meaningful after last week’s disappointment. “It’s a different feeling winning here, especially at Baguio Country Club,” Fontilea said. “Losing the Seniors title was disappointing, so we really didn’t want this one to slip away.” That disappointment fueled Green Water Golfers, who responded with an even stronger final round to seal the title. Last week, Puckett’s team with Tommy Manotoc faltered on the final day and lost the Seniors crown to Mamala Bay. Fil-Am League of Golfers Chicago 1 carded a 65 to finish second with 240, while Liloan – Let’s Golf Pare also shot 65 to take third with 235. In Am-C, Gerco Builders emerged champions with a 216 total, closing with an 89-point round. Jay Bitao led with 26, followed by Aldrin Edar with 25, while Butch Lacson and Gabriel Bautista added 23 and 15, respectively. Solid North narrowly edged Team Aquatico for second, scoring 81 for 204 against Aquatico’s 76 and 201