The search is on for the fifth batch of inductees to the distinguished Philippine Sports Hall of Fame (HoF).

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) under chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio will spearhead the search for the latest additions to the growing list of legendary and exceptional Filipinos in the field of sports.

The Philippine Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1999 through legislation under Republic Act 8757 and signed by former President Joseph Estrada.

The first batch of honorees was inducted in 2010 with 10 athletes, followed in 2016 with 17 names, 2018 with another 10 and in 2021, also with 10, bringing the total number of inductees to 47.

Among the names that are already in the honor roll are Simeon Toribio, Miguel White, Caloy Loyzaga, Ceferino Garcia, Pancho Villa, Gabriel Elorde and Teofilo Yldefonso in 2010; Mona Sulaiman, Ed Ocampo, Kurt Bachmann, Eugene Torre, Felicisimo Ampon and Johnny Jose in 2016; Lydia de Vega-Mercado, Filomeno Codinera, Ambrosio Padilla, Olivia Coo, Paeng Nepomuceno and Ben Arda in 2018; and Elma Muros-Posadas, Robert Jaworski, Arianne Cerdena, Leopoldo Serantes, Roel Velasco, Paulino Alcantara and Eric Buhain in 2021.

The PSC has announced that nominations to the next batch of inductees are now open. Individuals and organizations are invited and welcome to nominate deserving sports icons before the 15 March deadline. Nominations will be accepted through the PSC Facebook page.

 The Philippine Sports Hall of Fame aims “to immortalize the Filipino sports heritage and serve as an inspiration for our countrymen.”

Under the law, those eligible for enshrinement are Filipino athletes, coaches and trainers who have won a gold medal in any Southeast Asian Games or silver medalist in any Asian Games or Asian Games or bronze medalist in any Olympic or World Games, or a world champion in any professional or amateur sports competition.