TALKS of streamlining the future stagings of the Batang Pinoy and the Palarong Pambansa are continuing.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio said this following his recent meetings with Department of Education secretary Edgardo “Sonny” Angara.
The two government bodies are seeking to streamline and harmonize the format of the two sports meets for the youth.
“We are not unifying. We are streamlining and harmonizing it, make it into an age-group level competition,” said Gregorio.
By 2026, Gregorio hopes that the format of the Batang Pinoy will cater to the 8 to 15-year-old category and the Palarong Pambansa will change to a 16 to 21-year-old level of competition.
Gregorio said that these changes will align with the initiatives of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
The POC is gearing to have programs that that will have national athletes compete in the Asian Youth Games and the Youth Olympic Games.
“Tinututukan na natin ito,” added Gregorio.
At the moment, the agency is strengthening its ties with local government units in building regional training centers for sports.
The agency has identified training centers for sepak takraw and boxing in Bukidnon, while Bacolod can be a hub for football and archery.
