SONA 2025: Marcos allows public to exercise on PSC track ovals

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, said the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will open its track ovals as part of the government's efforts for a healthier citizenry.

Marcos said this as he promoted a more active lifestyle for Filipinos.

"Bilang pagsuporta dito, simula ngayon, bubuksan ng Philippine Sports Commission sa publiko ang kanilang mga track and field oval sa Pasig, Maynila, at Baguio, upang makapag-jogging na kayo nang libre," Marcos said.

(Starting today, the Philippine Sports Commission will open to the public its track and field ovals in Pasig, Manila, and Baguio. So you can jog for free.)

Before this, the president mentioned that more people in their 20s and older are being classified as overweight.

"Sa kabilang banda naman, nakikita natin ang sobrang pagtaas ng timbang ng ating mga kababayang edad dalawampu at pataas. Kaya, sikapin nating maging mas aktibo ang ating pamumuhay araw-araw," Marcos said.

(On the other hand, we are seeing excessive weight gain among our countrymen aged 20 and above. So, let's try to be more active in our daily lives.)

"Ipalaganap natin ang pagsasagawa ng mga palaro at mga paliga, mga fun runs at fun walks, pati na mga pa-aerobics at pa-zumba."

(Let's promote the hosting of games and competitions, fun runs and fun walks, as well as aerobics and Zumba.)

Marcos encouraged local government units to have open spaces where people can engage in physical activities.

"Para sa mga LGU, buksan at gawing maaliwalas ang mga park at mga plaza, kung saan makakapag-ensayo ang ating mga mamamayan, bata man o matanda. Magpatupad tayo ng mga 'Car-Free Sundays,' tulad ng ginagawa sa ilang lungsod dito sa Metro Manila, sa Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, at Davao,’’ he said.

(For the LGUs, open and make parks and plazas clear, where our citizens, young and old, can exercise. Let's implement 'Car-Free Sundays,' as is being done in several cities here in Metro Manila, in Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.)

Marcos also recognized Filipino athletes making their names on the global stage, such as Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo, and EJ Obiena.

He also called PNP chief Police General Nicolas Torre III a "champion" after being declared winner by default in his supposed match against Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte on Sunday. Torre won, as Duterte did not appear at the charity boxing event, which raised P300,000 in ticket sales alone.  —VBL, GMA Integrated News