Continued Support for Filipino Athletes: Building

Continued Support for Filipino Athletes: Building | Daily Tribune

As reported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), four young Filipino weightlifters took the world stage at the recently concluded 2026 IWF World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia, held on 6-11 July. Alexsandra Diaz swept the 48-kg women's division, while Jay Colonia captured a gold medal in the Clean & Jerk, along with two silver medals in the Snatch and Total.

In the 53-kg category, Jhodie Peralta posted a double-silver finish in the Snatch and Total. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Althea Bacaro (44 kg) earned a silver medal in the Clean & Jerk and a bronze medal in the Total. Finally, Kirby Kent Alas-as (60 kg) secured a silver medal in the Snatch.

Our rowers also made us proud. At the 2026 Asian Rowing Beach Sprint Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, the Philippine Youth Beach Sprint Team collected three gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal.

Meanwhile, 2024 Paris Olympian Joanie Delgaco clinched the bronze medal in the Women's Single Sculls at the 67th Internationale Ratzeburger Ruderregatta in Germany.

We also take pride in the historic run of Alex Eala at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships. She became the first Filipina to win a women's singles main-draw match at Wimbledon and the first Filipino in the Open Era to reach the fourth round of the prestigious tournament after defeating defending champion Iga Świątek of Poland. Her remarkable achievement is another milestone for Philippine tennis and an inspiration to countless young Filipinos who aspire to excel on the world stage.

These accomplishments are only some of the many victories being achieved by Filipino athletes across different sports.

As a sports enthusiast and an athlete myself, I have always called for stronger grassroots sports development so that young athletes do not have to rely solely on personal resources or chance discovery before receiving serious training support.

I am calling for consistent collaboration between the government and the private sector. Through this, athletic talent can be nurtured from the very beginning. Investing in grassroots sports is also investing in our country's future.

Like I always say, our athletes should only have to focus on their training and competitions. They deserve proper equipment, world-class facilities, adequate nutrition, and the moral support they need so they can fully develop their talents and reach their highest potential.

Since assuming the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Sports in 2019, we oversaw the committee during a period when Philippine athletes delivered major international results, including the country's first Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games and a twin gold-medal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

We then played a key role in creating the National Academy of Sports (NAS) by authoring and co-sponsoring Republic Act 11470. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, the NAS combines secondary education with a sports-focused curriculum, offering a dual path for student-athletes to excel in both sports and academics.

We have also filed Senate Bill 171, or the proposed National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025, which seeks to establish regional NAS campuses in the Visayas and Mindanao to give more student-athletes outside Luzon the opportunity to develop.

As sponsor of the sports budget in the Senate, we have advocated support for the country's sports development programs, including the repair and improvement of key sports facilities, such as the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Our athletes deserve not only our applause when they win but also our unwavering support throughout their journey. Like I always say, sports are not just about winning medals. For our youth, they are about promoting health, instilling discipline, nurturing dreams, and building a brighter future. That is why we must continue supporting our athletes and the next generation of Filipinos.

Meanwhile, on 9 July, we personally went to Dolores, Quezon, to join the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Quezon First Provincial Assembly upon the invitation of PCL Quezon Chapter President and Board Member Aileen Malabanan-Dellosa. We were pleased to be with Vice Governor Third Alcala, Dolores Mayor Orlan Calayag, several vice mayors, and other local legislators from the province of Quezon, where we reminded them that genuine public service and love for our fellow Filipinos should always come from the heart.

Later that evening, we also personally attended the Installation and Inauguration Ceremony of the Newly Elected National Officers of the Fraternal Order of Eagles–Philippine Eagles for Eagle Year 2026-2028, held in Pasay City. As members of the organization, we extended our congratulations to the newly elected officers, led by newly installed National President Agaton Javier, and reminded them that every position should be used as an opportunity to serve, promote unity, help others, and show compassion for our fellow Filipinos. We also expressed our gratitude to outgoing National President Ronald delos Santos for his dedicated service.

Moreover, our Malasakit Team continued to extend assistance to those in need by immediately aiding fire victims in Makati City, Pasay City, Tacloban City, Leyte, Cabatuan, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro City, and Mati City, Davao Oriental.

Recovering fire victims were also assisted in Capoocan and San Miguel, Leyte. These beneficiaries received housing assistance from the national government.

We also provided additional assistance to several students in Sampaloc and Tondo, Manila. Likewise, we extended assistance to displaced workers in Lupao, Nueva Ecija. Our Malasakit Team also supported scholars during their graduation in Malabon City.

Furthermore, indigents in Lupon and Mati City, Davao Oriental, and Aloran, Misamis Occidental, also received aid from our team. These outreach initiatives were coordinated with their respective local government units.

Additionally, we assisted displaced workers in Lupao, Nueva Ecija, who were eligible for temporary work to sustain their daily needs.

As Mr. Malasakit, I will continue to work and support our grassroots development so we can build a stronger generationof champions. Patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa kapwa Pilipino, dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.