Fifty years and counting for the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA). And no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described it as a “significant milestone” for the sport that has brought pride and glory to the country on the international stage.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio delivered the message on behalf of the President as the PTA celebrated the milestone with a Golden Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila on Saturday.

“It is a time to look back with gratitude at what has been accomplished, and to look ahead with renewed determination to what more can still be achieved."

“Since its founding in 1976, the PTA has remained steadfast in its mission of developing taekwondo in the Philippines. More than a sport, taekwondo has become a means of cultivating discipline, pursuing excellence and building character among generations of Filipinos,” the President’s message said.

The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) conferred President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. with an honorary 9th Dan during the Kukkiwon Honorary Conferment Ceremony held at the event. Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and Gregorio received the distinction on behalf of the President.

Meanwhile, Secretary Teodoro and Gregorio were each conferred the 5th Dan, along with Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and PTA president Raffy Alunan.

Gregorio, who has thrown his full support to taekwondo, shared the President’s sentiment that the PTA, for five decades, “ has helped young Filipinos develop the values of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.

The PTA has made sure grassroots development is on a high level, including talent identification and, with the help of the PSC, developing elite athletes for major international competitions.

“Every year, over a hundred competitions are conducted across the country, alongside grassroots initiatives, training programs, and other activities that bring taekwondo closer to our communities,” the President’s message also said.

“Through these efforts, the sport has reached even our farthest areas and given thousands of Filipino children the opportunity to discover their potential, push their limits, and learn the value of hard work,” the President added.

The PTA, under the strong leadership of its president Rafael Alunan III and its main driving force in Grandmaster Hong Sung-Chong, has always maintained strong relationships with the international community — World Taekwondo, Asian Taekwondo Union and Kukkiwon and other international partners.

“Because of these sustained efforts, Filipino athletes of all ages and levels now have greater opportunities to compete,” the President said.

With over a million practitioners nationwide, the PTA has also provided for its network of coaches, trainers, referees, technical officials and administrators, which is also key to the country’s strong representation in the world of taekwondo.

“This is why the Philippines continues to be strongly represented in major international Taekwondo competitions,” said the President.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we must also recognize that the work does not end here. This administration is committed to working with the PTA in realizing our vision of producing globally competitive athletes and coaches, while making Taekwondo accessible to every Filipino.”

“Through the Philippine Sports Commission, the government will support the expansion of taekwondo programs, the conduct of competitions, and the continuing development of our athletes and coaches.”