DURING the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening the country’s national sports programs as he enters the second half of his presidency.
On Monday, July 28, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, Marcos presented his annual report on his administration’s achievements and addressed the key challenges currently facing the nation.
In addition, he highlighted the accomplishments of national athletes and coaches who brought pride to the country, expressing his desire to see more Filipino talent succeed in future international competitions.
A Timely Lift
In 2024, Marcos delivered his third SONA just four days before the opening of the 2024 Paris Olympics, which ran from July 26 to August 11. That year turned out to be a landmark one for Philippine sports.
At the Summer Olympics, the Philippines recorded its best-ever performance in the history of the event, taking home two gold and two bronze medals—marking the country’s first time winning multiple golds in one edition.
The Philippines also topped all Southeast Asian (SEA) nations in the Olympic medal standings, largely due to Carlos Yulo’s outstanding showing in artistic gymnastics, surpassing the country’s medal count from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Recognizing the importance of providing athletes with support not just after they win, but throughout their journey, Marcos vowed to significantly increase backing for their preparation and training efforts.
“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,” Marcos Jr. said.
“Bubuo tayo ng bagong pambansang programa sa sports development. 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.”
“Naririyan ang ating PhilSports Commission at PAGCOR upang tiyakin ang patuloy na pagtaguyod at pagsuporta sa ating mga programang pampalakasan at mga atleta sa buong bansa,” he added.
Day In, Day Out
For Marcos Jr., sports should be seen not just as a form of leisure, but as a powerful tool to ignite national pride and motivate the younger generation by showcasing the achievements of top athletes in their respective disciplines.
“Kilalanin natin ang mga atleta na umani ng karangalan para sa Pilipinas. 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,” he said.
“Dahil sa mga ito, ang ating kabataan ay maagang namumulat sa isports, humuhusay, at tumataas ang kumpiyansa. Sumusunod sila sa yapak ng ating mga kampeon at world-class na mga atleta,” Marcos Jr. added.
Marcos Jr. drew laughter and applause from the audience when he humorously mentioned Philippine National Police Chief Nicolas Torre III alongside the country’s celebrated athletes who achieved historic victories this year.
“Isama na rin natin ‘yung bago nating kampeon, si PNP Chief Nicolas,” Marcos Jr. joked, referring to Torre’s win in a charity boxing match against Sebastian “Baste” Duterte held on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the president also took note of the growing popularity of lifestyle activities, as Gen Z and other age groups are increasingly embracing running and walking. He now aims to give more support to these efforts.
“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,” he added
Just recently, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), under its newly appointed chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, secured approval for a uniform P5,000 increase in monthly allowances.
Starting next month, all national team athletes and coaches will receive this much-needed financial boost, after previously having to make do with a P10,000 monthly allowance.
These developments mark the initial steps in assuring national athletes and coaches that the government, under the leadership of Marcos Jr., fully supports their dedication and sacrifices in bringing pride to the country.
