Puerto Princesa maps play with PSC in Sports Capital drive

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—Puerto Princesa is setting its sights on becoming the Sports Capital of the Philippines, a vision strengthened by its partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and showcased during the three-day Palawan Youth and Sports Summit.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio hailed Puerto Princesa’s sports program as a model of excellence, driven by the dynamic leadership of Mayor Lucilo Bayron and his city officials.

“The sports program of Puerto Princesa City is worth emulating by other LGUs. Maganda talaga programa nyo dito. You are truly advanced in research, development, and implementation. Congratulations,” said Gregorio.

“You already know the benefits of sports tourism to grassroots development and tourism contribution to the economy. Mayor Bayron is your No. 1 cheerleader,’’ added Gregorio.

Beyond the summit halls, PSC and Puerto Princesa City leaders moved into the field to see firsthand the infrastructure that will anchor the city’s ambitions.

Their first stop was the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, where a sprawling 20-hectare site donated by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology through its Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang will become a home for several sports facilities.

Here, the PSC Regional Sports Complex will rise, with plans taking shape for a baseball diamond in partnership with the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association and its Secretary General Mike Asuncion.

It will be complemented by a softball field, a football pitch, and a host of multi-sport facilities that will serve as the backbone of the city’s regional sports hub. IPPF Superintendent Col. Edgardo Mendoza Jr welcomed the PSC team.

From there, the delegation proceeded to the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex, a vibrant arena that pulses with activity across a wide range of disciplines. Indoor athletes train in sepak takraw, boxing, tennis, badminton, table tennis, basketball, and combat sports such as wushu, taekwondo, and arnis.

“Puerto Princesa is ready to lead. With PSC as our partner, we will build the future of Philippine sports here in Palawan,” said Mayor Bayron, summing up the city’s ambition.

The complex likewise boasts a track and field oval, football field, volleyball court, swimming pool, archery range, and baseball field, complemented by a PSC-donated gymnasium.

The visit turned into a celebration of youth sports as Chairman Gregorio and his fellow commissioners joined children on the courts and fields, underscoring the PSC’s commitment to grassroots development.

“It’s always inspiring to see kids out on the courts. Less screen time, more play time, and along the way healthier habits, new friendships, and perhaps even a few future champions,” remarked Gregorio, who later joined PSC Commissioner Matthew ``Fritz’’ Gaston in an animated Zumba routine at the track and field oval.

The tour culminated with the awarding ceremony of Puerto Princesa’s successful hosting of the World Table Tennis Youth Contender at the Edward S. Hagedorn Coliseum, further solidifying the city’s standing as a consistent hub for sports tourism.

The Palawan Youth and Sports Summit became a powerful forum the next day where national sports leaders and experts converged to chart Puerto Princesa’s trajectory toward becoming the country’s sports capital.

Chairman Gregorio opened the discussion by laying down the priorities and strategic direction for sports development in Puerto Princesa and the province of Palawan, emphasizing how the city’s advanced programs could serve as a model for other local government units.