Senatorial candidate Luis “Manong Chavit” Singson stressed the critical need for a more inclusive and effective grassroots sports development system in the country, arguing that the current focus on a small group of elite athletes is hindering the discovery and nurturing of young talent across the country.

With his extensive experience in both politics and sports, Singson believes that sustainable success in sports begins with a strong foundation at the grassroots level.

Manong Chavit, who is formerly associated with eight-time world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, pointed out that resources and attention are often concentrated on a handful of elite athletes who have achieved international recognition, leaving many other promising athletes from various backgrounds and disciplines without the support they need to reach their potential.

“We have talented athletes in every corner of the country, but we focus too much on a few selected ones, while many others who could also excel are left behind,” Singson said.

“The focus needs to shift to providing opportunities for all athletes, not just a chosen few.”

He explained that this narrow focus on popular sports and top athletes has led to a system that overlooks the untapped potential in lesser-known disciplines, as well as younger athletes who don’t have access to high-level programs and resources.

For Manong Chavit, the foundation for long-term success in sports must be built at the grassroots level.

He emphasized that the country’s sports infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, remains underdeveloped, limiting opportunities for children to discover and hone their athletic abilities.

“We need to invest in local communities, schools, and youth sports programs that can identify promising athletes at an early age,” Singson said.

“This means building sports facilities in every region, improving coaching at the local level, and giving every child the opportunity to participate in sports, regardless of where they live or their financial background.”

Singson, who is listed as No. 58 on the Senate ballot, called for increased government investment in grassroots sports programs to ensure that children across the country have access to the training and resources they need to develop their skills.

He also urged the private sector to play a bigger role in sponsoring and supporting local sports initiatives.

Manong Chavit highlighted the slow turnover of young athletes into the elite ranks, pointing out that many promising talents fall through the cracks because they don’t receive the right support at the right time.

Without a clear pathway from local competitions to national and international levels, many athletes drop out of the system before they have a chance to compete on the global stage.