The establishment of Pilipinas Climbing Inc. (PCI) marks a game-changing moment for the rapidly growing sport of climbing in the Philippines, opening the door for national recognition, international competition, and long-term development.
Led by sports advocate and obstacle racing pioneer Atty. Al Agra, PCI is now the official body driving the progress of sport climbing in the country. With recognition already secured from the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC), the organization is actively working toward membership in the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)—a move expected to pave the way for sustainable funding, grassroots expansion, and broader athlete support.
“Climbing has been growing quietly across the country. With PCI in place, we can now organize, represent, and elevate the sport on all fronts,” said Agra during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum. “We want to make climbing inclusive—for youth, for Para athletes, for every Filipino.”
Just months into its formation, PCI is already fielding a national team, with athletes set to compete this week at the ASEAN Sport Climbing Championships in Malaysia. Next up are tournaments in Singapore and the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December.
More than just competitive targets, the formation of PCI brings much-needed structure and direction. The organization now oversees the regulation, promotion, and expansion of the sport, with over 20 climbing gyms nationwide already forming the early backbone of local development. PCI is also aiming to introduce more coaching programs, support systems for athletes, and eventually, the creation of regional hubs.
PCI chairman Franz Lim emphasized the sport’s potential: “Climbing is not only exciting and accessible, but Filipinos have what it takes to be world-class. With proper support, we can produce Olympic-level athletes.”