The champions of today are now helping raise the champions of tomorrow.
With Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz leading the way, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) are joining forces to bring sports development straight to schools, creating pathways for young athletes to chase their dreams and represent the nation on the world stage.
"You need a champion, an icon, to drive this plan," said PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio.
In a meeting, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara revealed that around 300 public schools now offer a specialized sports curriculum, which provides students with more dedicated time and resources for training and development.
The PSC, DepEd, and Diaz-Naranjo will soon sign a tripartite agreement, which has helped position the province as an emerging power in weightlifting in the Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa.
As part of this initiative, the PSC will donate high-quality training equipment to schools, while encouraging the private sector to join in to further streamline its implementation. This move aligns with President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen grassroots sports development by empowering school-based sports clubs.
“Hidilyn has been helping us raise the next generation of athletes. With the leadership of Chairman Pato at the PSC, we are bringing President Bongbong Marcos' vision to life,” said Angara.
To bolster the program, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman announced a P180 million commitment to build a stronger foundation for future champions.
“Sinabi niya po ‘yan sa kanyang SONA, kaya kami po, sa DBM, asahan n’yo pong nakasuporta at handang umagapay sa ating mga atleta para tugunan ang mga pangangailangan nila, kagaya po ng pagpapatayo ng weightlifting academy na ito,” stressed Pangandaman.
