APAYAO, Philippines — The Apayao Cycling Challenge II (XC Edition) is set on February 22, in San Gregorio, Luna, featuring a technical cross-country course built for competitive racing. Expect mixed terrain, tight technical sections, and sustained climbs that will test power, control, and endurance. Riders across multiple age categories compete for podium finishes and exciting prizes. Early bird registration is now open. Register here: https://forms.gle/45GpKnLXXz9Ev1BT6

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – City officials led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan honored the Summer Capital’s Southeast Asian Games medalists during flag-raising rites at City Hall. The victorious athletes who participated in the Games which took place in Thailand, Dec. 9 to 20, 2025, were lauded for their achievements which the officials stressed were “not only personal triumphs but also collective victories for Baguio.” They include Justin Kobe Macario, who clinched the first gold medal for the Philippines in taekwondo under the men’s individual freestyle poomsae category and a bronze in the mixed team poomsae; Zyra Gados Bon-as took gold in kickboxing women’s lowkick 48kg, while Jomar Esteban Balangui secured bronze in kickboxing men’s K-60kg. Godwin Amos Langbayan earned two bronze medals in jiu-jitsu men’s 62kg mixed team, joined by Katryn Angela Saldajeno with a bronze in jiu-jitsu mixed team; Mariane Bantasan Mariano won two bronze medals in jiu-jitsu duo classic women’s team and mixed team; while Denzel John Alipio added bronze in mixed martial arts men’s modern 60kg. Islay Erika Bomogao fought her way to gold in muaythai combat and bronze in wai kru; Whinny Guindayan Bayawon won silver in kickboxing, tatami kick light;  Jones Llabres Inso captured gold in wushu men’s taijiquan-taijijian; Krisna Wasing Malecdan earned bronze in wushu women’s dulian bare-handed; and Krizan Faith Collado also won bronze in women’s wushu dulian bare-handed. Xander Alipio secured bronze in men’s wushu sanda 56kg; Gina Iniong Araos added bronze in mixed martial arts special value modern 54kg; and Jean Claude Kitong Saclag also won bronze in mixed martial arts men’s modern 55kg. Eumir Felix Marcial claimed his 5th SEA Games gold medal in boxing, while Nesthy Petecio secured bronze in women’s boxing 63kg;  Jason Saltin Baucas brought home bronze in wrestling, Greco-Roman men’s 72kg; Gerald Kato Loy got  bronze in the practical shooting open category; and Hussein Loraña sprinted for gold in the men’s 800m. Joshua Alexander Hamada Ramos garnered bronze in the aquathlon all-men relay; Maynard Pecson captured silver in the duathlon mixed team relay and Aira Villegas secured silver in women’s flyweight. Local officials emphasized that these victories reflect the resilience and excellence of Baguio athletes and that each medal added to the city’s growing reputation as a hub for sports excellence. They also extended their heartfelt gratitude to the coaches, whose dedication and guidance made these achievements possible. “These triumphs remind the community that Baguio is not only a city of culture and creativity but also a city of champions. With every medal won, the athletes prove that discipline, perseverance, and passion can turn dreams into victories—and their success will continue to inspire generations to come,” city officials stated. -Jhezereel Bangaoet/PIO-Intern/gabykeith

By Rachel Magday   SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — The municipality of Solano was proclaimed overall champion of the 2026 Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Athletics Association(NVPAA) Meet during the closing ceremonies on Feb. 6 at the Nueva Vizcaya Sports Complex. Solano led the final medal tally with 103 gold, 103 silver and 122 bronze medals. Bayombong finished first runner-up with 72 gold, 60 silver and 83 bronze, while Quezon placed second runner-up with 51 gold, 46 silver and 61 bronze. Bambang ended as third runner-up with 32 gold, 39 silver and 52 bronze, followed by Kasibu in fourth with 23 gold, 24 silver and 25 bronze. Solano also topped the secondary level competition with 59 gold, 55 silver and 74 bronze medals, followed by Bayombong, Bambang, Kasibu and Quezon. In the elementary level, Solano again placed first with 44 gold, 48 silver and 48 bronze medals. Quezon ranked second, followed by Bayombong, Ambaguio and Diadi. For the Paragames, Bayombong emerged champion with 18 gold, 8 silver and 5 bronze medals, followed by Solano, Kasibu, Bagabag and Bambang. Solano Mayor Philip Dacayo, together with officials of the Department of Education (DepEd)–Solano, received the championship trophy and cash incentive on behalf of the delegation. Special awards were also conferred, with Kasibu named Most Disciplined Delegation and Solano winning Best Uniformed Delegation. Schools Division Superintendent Orlando E. Manuel said, DepEd Nueva Vizcaya aims to develop athletes who can compete not only in local and national meets but also in international competitions. He encouraged parents to support children who are interested in sports and urged athletes to continue improving their performance. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito also congratulated the winners and participants, recognizing the athletes’ hard work and the efforts of coaches, trainers and organizers in staging a successful meet. He reiterated the provincial government’s support for youth development through sports and education programs. The provincial government allocated P1.5 million from the Provincial Special Education Fund to help fund the conduct of the NVPAA Meet.

CEBU, Philippines — The Sports Tourism Forum organized by Sports Turismo Alliance in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be held in Cebu on March 18, 2026. The one-day forum will feature top officials from both the sports and tourism sectors with the theme of Incorporating Sports in M.I.C.E. Leading the distinguished panel of speakers are Philippine Sports Commission Chairman, Patrick “Pato” Gregorio; Cleofe Albiso of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts; Princess Galura of Sunrise Events; Carlo Sampan of Milo Sports;  Director Robbie Alabado of Department of Tourism; Vice President Kenneth Peralta of Bases Conversion and Development Authority; Benito Bengzon lll of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association; Marco Kasic of FundLife International; Michael Albana of SMX Convention Center; and Andrew Fernandes of Bellevue Resorts Bohol. Under Administrative Order #8, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr recently created the National Sports Tourism – Inter Agency Committee headed by PSC Chairman, Pato Gregorio. It’s objective is to to successfully stage and hosts sporting events in the country to boost its tourist arrivals and the tourism industry. Governor Pamela Baricuatro of Cebu Province together with Mayor Cindi Chan of Lapu Lapu City, Mayor Nestor Archival of Cebu City and Mayor Jonkie Ouano of Mandaue City have been invited to present their views and support the development of Cebu into a sports tourism hub.  

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