The just-concluded Batang Pinoy championships in Ilocos Sur caps a productive year for Philippine sports.

The multi-event sports festival is a manifestation of the Philippine Sports Commission's renewed thrust for grassroots programs.

Over 6,000 delegates from 140 cities and municipalities nationwide competed in the 17 sporting disciplines for face-to-face and virtual competitions.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s concern for Filipino athletes continues to be the driving force behind the PSC's programs.

Immediately after his assumption as PSC chairman, Jose Emmanuel "Noli" Eala conducted a well-attended consultative meeting with representatives of 68 of 74 national sports associations at the Philippine International Convention Center last 13 October.

Eala asserted the need for mutual respect between the agency and the NSAs, and responsible autonomy rooted in transparent management of government funds.

Aside from laying out the agency's plans and programs, Eala also established the framework of his administration's national sports agenda.

"We will establish a pathway to success beginning with the 'Duyan ng Magiting' or the 'Cradle of the Brave' at the grassroots level leading to the tweaked version of the Gintong Alay which we will call Project: Gintong Laban which is to be implemented at the elite level," he said.

Eala stressed that Improving the relationship with the Philippine Olympic Committee is also a top priority.

Apart from strengthening ties with the NSAs, Eala, assisted by Commissioner Olivia "Bong" Coo, assured the PSC's continued support to elite athletes.

Filipino athletes shone overseas under Eala's administration.

These achievements include the gold medal win of weightlifting superstar Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo at the 2022 IWF World Weightlifting Championship in Bogota, Colombia; Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Carlo Paalam's gold medal romp at the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Amman, Jordan; Olympic gymnast Caloy Yulo's silver and bronze medal win at the 51st FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships; and the exploits of new jiu jitsu world champions Meggie Ochoa and Kimberly Anne Custodio.