PHI-NADO Launches First-Ever Regional Anti-Doping Education Program in Cebu, Championing the Theme “Building Clean Sport Communities”

CEBU City -- Guided by the theme “Building Clean Sport Communities,” the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO) successfully conducted the inaugural rollout of its Regional Anti-Doping Education Program in Cebu City, marking a significant milestone in expanding anti-doping education across the country and reinforcing the Philippines’ commitment to promoting clean sport at the grassroots level.

As a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code 2021, PHI-NADO continues to strengthen its nationwide anti-doping education initiatives by bringing World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-compliant education closer to athletes and sporting communities beyond Metro Manila. The Regional ADEP equips athletes, athlete support personnel, and key stakeholders with the knowledge, values, and practical tools needed to make informed and ethical decisions in sport.

Recognizing Cebu as one of the country’s premier sporting hubs, the program supports PHI-NADO’s goal of establishing a sustainable and culturally grounded anti-doping education system at the local government unit (LGU) level. Through the collective efforts of athletes, coaches, educators, healthcare professionals, parents, and local officials, the initiative seeks to cultivate a shared responsibility in protecting the integrity of sport and building clean sport communities across the region.

The two-day program brought together an estimated 200 participants each day, representing athletes, coaches, athlete support personnel, medical professionals, teachers, school administrators, parents, and local government officials. Participants engaged in comprehensive discussions on the fundamentals of anti-doping, athletes’ rights and responsibilities, the doping control process, the Prohibited List, Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), supplement risks, food-first approach, and the importance of values-based education in fostering ethical decision-making.

Distinguished guests graced the opening program from Cebu’s sporting community, including Cebu City Sports Commission (CPSC) Chair Dr. Rhoel Dejaño, who underscored the

importance of strengthening anti-doping education at the local level to safeguard the future of Philippine sports. Also joining the program was Commissioner Edward L. Hayco, who delivered a presentation highlighting the profound influence of sports in shaping the character and values of children and young athletes. He emphasized that because sport serves as a powerful platform for developing discipline, integrity, and respect, it is the shared responsibility of families, educators, coaches, sports organizations, and local communities to protect young athletes from threats that undermine the spirit of sport and to foster environments where they can thrive with honesty and fair play.

Throughout the two-day program, participants actively took part in interactive learning sessions, discussions, and practical activities designed to reinforce the core values of clean sport. Beyond providing technical knowledge on anti-doping, the program encouraged participants to become advocates who can promote clean sport within their respective schools, sports organizations, local government units, and communities.

The successful launch of the Regional ADEP in Cebu marks the beginning of PHI-NADO’s efforts to institutionalize regional anti-doping education throughout the Philippines. By empowering local stakeholders through accessible, values-based, and WADA-compliant education, PHI-NADO continues to strengthen the nation’s commitment to protecting athletes and ensuring that every Filipino athlete has the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.

As PHI-NADO expands the Regional Anti-Doping Education Program to other parts of the country, it remains steadfast in its mission of Building Clean Sport Communities—where athletes, coaches, and athlete support personnel work together to uphold the values of clean, fair, and ethical sport for generations to come.

Play True. Play Clean. Play Fair! It Starts With You.