The Philippine sports scene is riding high after a remarkable 2024, punctuated by the historic achievements of Carlos Yulo, who clinched two gold medals, and the bronze medal wins of Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas at the Paris Olympic Games.
Building on this momentum, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann has articulated a vision for sustained success in 2025 and beyond, emphasizing the agency’s unwavering commitment to supporting Filipino athletes on their journey to international prominence.
“2024 was a truly triumphant year for Philippine sports,” Chairman Bachmann declared. “It was a year that not only inspired the entire nation but also reignited the passion for sports across all sectors of society. The collaborative efforts we witnessed, from grassroots development to elite competition, culminated in some truly historic achievements.
Carlos Yulo’s double gold at the Paris Olympics, along with the inspiring bronze medals earned by Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, stand as powerful testaments to the dedication and talent of our athletes.
Furthermore, the promising performances of our Paralympic athletes showcased their incredible resilience and determination.”
He added, “As we look ahead to 2025, our vision is clear: we aim to build on these successes, achieve even greater heights, and establish a foundation for sustainable and long-term success in Philippine sports.”
The PSC’s commitment to nurturing young talent was evident in the success of events like the Batang Pinoy 2024, which took place in Puerto Princesa City.
This event served as a crucial platform for discovering and developing the next generation of Filipino athletes.
Young swimmers like Arvin Taguinota, along with the contingent from the City of Pasig, delivered exceptional performances, demonstrating the depth of talent emerging from the grassroots level. “We recognize that the future of Philippine sports lies in the hands of our youth,” Chairman Bachmann emphasized.
“The Batang Pinoy 2024 proved to be an overwhelming success, not only in terms of participation but also in its ability to unearth promising new talents and ignite fresh aspirations among young Filipinos. These young athletes represent the future of our nation in the world of sports, and we are committed to providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.”
Chairman Bachmann firmly believes that the Philippines has the potential to become a global force in sports, and that this potential can be realized through continued investment in both grassroots development programs and elite-level competitions.
“Our ability to compete and succeed on the international stage underscores the immense potential of our nation to become a prominent player in the global sports arena,” he stated.
“The fact that the Philippines has successfully hosted multiple international sporting events demonstrates not only our capacity to organize world-class competitions but also the unwavering passion and enthusiasm of the Filipino people for sports excellence. We are confident that with the right support and resources, our athletes can achieve even greater things on the world stage.”
The PSC is deeply committed to improving the welfare of national athletes and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed.
“While we celebrate the successes of 2024, we remain acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead,” Chairman Bachmann acknowledged.
“We are committed to continuously enhancing the welfare of our athletes, both on and off the field. Significant improvements to their training facilities are currently underway, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that their needs are met in every aspect of their athletic development. The 2025 calendar is packed with numerous international tournaments, and we are confident that our athletes are ready to build on their achievements and strive for even greater goals.”
Chairman Bachmann also emphasized the importance of financial assistance and robust programs in supporting athletes, national sports associations, and promising young talents.
“We recognize that financial resources play a critical role in the success of our athletes,” he said. “We are committed to increasing financial assistance and strengthening our programs to ensure that our athletes have the resources they need to train, compete, and excel at the highest level. We will also continue to expand platforms for youth development by strengthening our linkages with stakeholders nationwide and deepening our collaboration at every level. By working together, we can create a more sustainable and thriving sports ecosystem for generations to come.”
The PSC’s vision is clear: to build a legacy of champions, to inspire a nation through sports, and to create a brighter future for Filipino athletes on the world stage.