The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), led by Chairman Richard Bachmann and Commissioners Olivia “Bong” Coo, Walter Torres, Edward Hayco, and Matthew “Fritz” Gaston, has demonstrated a strong commitment to Filipino athletes and sports development over the past year. Facing a demanding workload from the outset, the board quickly found its stride, collaborating with key stakeholders like the Philippine Olympic Committee and national sports associations to achieve remarkable results on the international stage.
A Historic Year for Philippine Sports
The year 2024 proved to be a banner year, highlighted by the Philippines’ best-ever performance at the Paris Olympics. The nation celebrated two gold medals (Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise and Men’s Vault) and two bronze medals (boxing), thanks to the exceptional talent of Carlos Yulo, Aira Villegas, and Nesthy Petecio. This historic haul placed the Philippines 37th overall, a testament to both the athletes’ dedication and the PSC’s support. While the Paralympics yielded no medals, the strong performances of the Filipino athletes, with four out of six reaching the finals, were inspiring.
Supporting Athletes at All Levels
The PSC’s support extended beyond the Olympics and Paralympics. They played a crucial role in international competitions, including the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games, and hosted several prestigious events, such as the Asian Cadet Junior & U21 Championship and the Southeast Asian Shooting Association Championships. They also supported Filipino athletes in various other international competitions, from the Winter Youth Olympics to the Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup.
At the grassroots level, the PSC’s flagship programs, Batang Pinoy and the Philippine National Games, engaged over 11,000 athletes. Other initiatives included the community-based Laro’t Saya sa Parke, the Indigenous Peoples Games, the Philippine National Para Games, and the Philippine ROTC Games. The PSC also championed Women in Sports with dedicated awards and recognition.
Investing in the Future
Recognizing the importance of infrastructure, the PSC is prioritizing the development and upgrading of sports facilities. Projects include the construction of a new athletes’ dormitory and a Multi-Sport Training Center, along with the renovation of the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, the PSC Administration Building, the Philippine Sports Museum, and the Gymnastics Center.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
The PSC’s commitment continues in 2025, with a focus on supporting athletes in major international competitions, including the Southeast Asian Games, the ASEAN Para Games, the Asian Youth Games, the Asian Winter Games, and The World Games. The Philippines will also host several significant events, such as the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships and the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup. Grassroots programs will continue to be a priority, nurturing the next generation of athletes.
A Foundation for Greatness
Chairman Bachmann acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the inspiration drawn from the athletes’ achievements. With its focus on elite and grassroots development, combined with strategic infrastructure investments, the PSC is laying a solid foundation for continued success in Philippine sports for years to come.