President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has promised full support for Filipino athletes during his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 28, 2025.
“Magbubuhos tayo ng todo-suporta sa mga palaro at mga atleta sa buong bansa. Halimbawa, ang Palarong Pambansa, at ang Batang Pinoy Games na gaganapin sa General Santos City ngayong Oktubre,” he said.
The administration is said to be eyeing a new nationwide sports development program that would develop athletes further, and discover a new wave of athletes.
“Uumpisahan natin ito sa paaralan pa lamang. Ibabalik natin ang mga sports clubs at magsasagawa tayo ng mga palaro at intrams sa lahat ng mga pampublikong paaralan,” the President said.
“Dahil sa mga ito, ang ating kabataan ay maagang namumulat sa isports, humuhusay, at tumataas ang kumpiyansa,” he said.
These initiatives, according to Marcos, will help the youth follow in the footsteps of world-class Filipino athletes who brought honor to the country like Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Caloy Yulo, Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, EJ Obiena, Alex Eala, and paralympians Jerrold Mangliwan, Cendy Asusano, Angel Mae Otom, and Ernie Gawilan.
He also lauded the efforts of the Philippine Men’s Curling Team who made history and won the gold at the 2025 Asian Winter Games after defeating South Korea in the final in Harbin, China.
“Akalain mo nga naman, kahit walang winter sa Pilipinas, napatunayan pa rin natin na kaya nating maging kampeon sa Winter Games,” Marcos said.
PBBM said the athletes who bring honor to the country deserve to be recognized.
“Hindi lamang sila nakapaghatid ng kasiyahan sa buong sambayanan. Pinalakas pa nila ang ating pagmamahal sa bayan, at lalo pang pinatingkad ang dangal ng bawat Pilipino,” the President said.
Furthermore, the President said the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will reportedly be opening its track ovals in Pasig, Manila, and Baguio to the public.
Local government units have also been directed to open and retrofit their parks and plazas to provide avenues for residents to train at.
