CHENGDU, China — Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio underscored the importance of establishing regional training centers across the country as a crucial step toward strengthening grassroots sports development and ensuring inclusivity, even in far-flung areas.
Speaking during his first international engagement as PSC chief at the 2025 World Games held at the Tianfu International Convention Center, Gregorio expressed his commitment to a nationwide plan aimed at nurturing young talents closer to their hometowns.
“We must develop these centers to give young athletes an equal chance to hone their talents without having to leave their families at a very young age,” said Gregorio, who also met with Team Philippines Chef de Mission Stephen Arapoc to discuss this major initiative.
Following a directive from the Office of the President, the PSC is tasked with crafting a framework that enables regional hubs to thrive in collaboration with local governments and stakeholders.
Gregorio emphasized that these centers will not only serve as training grounds but also focus on sports that are naturally aligned with a region’s identity and strengths.
“For instance, Zamboanga City should be a hub for weightlifting, inspired by Hidilyn Diaz. Baguio City is ideal for muay thai, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos for boxing, and Bacolod for football,” Gregorio explained. “Each region must champion the sport it’s most known for.”
Initial target sites include Laoag City (Ilocos Norte), Clark (Pampanga), Tayabas (Quezon), Ormoc (Leyte), Bacolod (Negros Occidental), and major cities in Mindanao such as Bukidnon, Zamboanga, and General Santos. Siargao is also being eyed as a center for water sports, particularly surfing.
This vision builds on the PSC’s recent initiatives to open public track ovals nationwide, which have received positive public reception.
To kick-start the program, the PSC will sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority on August 13, officially designating New Clark City as a regional sports hub. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Academy of Sports, which already operates within the NCC grounds.
“This is a long-term investment in Filipino athletic potential. We aim to empower our youth and foster national pride through accessible and quality training—no matter where they are in the country,” Gregorio concluded.
