In the vibrant landscape of Philippine sports, where passion often outstrips resources, the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) stands as a formidable private funding powerhouse.

Established in 2011, this non-stock, non-profit organization, birthed from the visionary leadership of industrialist Manuel Pangilinan and his group of companies, has fundamentally reshaped the trajectory of Filipino athletes, propelling them onto the international stage and fostering a deeper culture of sports excellence across the nation.

The MVPSF’s impact is multifaceted, but its core mission is to “inspire and empower the Filipino athlete towards the first Philippine Olympic gold medal while creating a culture of hard work and perseverance for the Filipino people.”

Once a distant dream for many, this goal was realized when Hidilyn Diaz won the historic weightlifting gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, a triumph for which the MVPSF was a crucial financial and logistical enabler.

MVPSF president Al Panlilio always emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their support.

“The MVPSF was born 10 years ago with its vision of winning our first Olympic gold medal,” he said following Diaz’s historic feat four years ago.

“We at PLDT and Smart have always believed in the importance of sports in shaping individuals and communities for the better. Hidilyn embodied what puso (fighting heart) really means.”

MVPSF’s strategy centers on a targeted approach, focusing on specific sports where Filipino athletes have a high potential for international success. These “chosen sports” include badminton, gymnastics, basketball, boxing, cycling, football, golf, taekwondo, rugby and weightlifting.

For each of these disciplines, the MVPSF provides comprehensive assistance, ranging from direct financial aid for training, competition, and equipment to technical advice and the development of high-performance programs.

A key differentiator of the MVPSF is its long-term commitment.

Unlike one-off sponsorships, the foundation invests in athletes for years, often throughout their entire competitive journey. This sustained support allows athletes to focus on their training and development without the constant worry of securing funds.

For instance, the MVPSF’s backing of Carlos Yulo enabled his extensive training in Japan under world-class coaches and facilities, prompting him to become the first Filipino to win two gold medals in the Summer Olympics.

Beyond individual athletes, the MVPSF works closely with national sports associations (NSAs) to strengthen the entire sports ecosystem. Their collaboration ensures that the resources are strategically deployed to benefit a broader spectrum of athletes, from developmental teams to elite national squads.

“More than financial, we monitor their progress and work closely with the NSA to help figure out the best option for training and exposure,” said Panlilio, also the president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, chairman of the National Golf Association of the Philippines and first vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“Of course, at the core of it all is funding, but knowing that strong supporters like the MVPSF and the MVP group of companies are there to support, gives them one less thing to worry about and helps them focus and keep their eyes on the prize.”

Still, the MVPSF is putting a special premium on basketball — a sport deeply ingrained in the Filipino psyche.

As president of the SBP, Panlilio has steered Gilas Pilipinas, the national basketball team, to significant achievements on the international stage, often with crucial financial and logistical backing from the MVPSF.

The successful co-hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023 was another monumental undertaking that showcased the MVPSF’s organizational prowess and commitment to elevating the country’s sporting profile.

Under Panlilio’s leadership, with Jude Turcuatco as executive director, the MVPSF has become an indispensable force in Philippine sports. It is a testament to private sector leadership stepping up to fill critical gaps in sports funding and development.

By providing targeted financial aid, technical expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and unwavering long-term commitment, the MVPSF is not just funding athletes; it is investing in the nation’s dreams, building a legacy of excellence, and inspiring a generation of Filipinos to reach for gold, both on and off the court.