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 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 Chairman Gregorio received the distinction on behalf of the President.

Meanwhile, Secretary Teodoro and Chairman Gregorio were each conferred the 5th Dan, along with Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham 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 (PSC), the government will support the expansion of taekwondo programs, the conduct of competitions, and the continuing development of our athletes and coaches,” the President’s message added.

In fact, the PSC under Gregorio and the PTA has laid the groundwork for a brand new National Taekwondo Center inside the sprawling Rizal Memorial Sports Complex along Vito Cruz in Manila.

“With the rise of this new training center, we hope to see more world-class jins in the country who will become the next generation international champions,” the President said.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new taekwondo center, which will take the place of the old PSC Bowling Center, was held last March, and sees its completion by December or early next year. It can house 100 taekwondo athletes and with a competition and training grounds and stands that could host international competitions.

“With this new taekwondo center, we can host more international tournaments and give exposure to our national athletes. The shift will surely open up great opportunities for our sports and for our athletes,” said Gregorio.

“We enable, we excite, and we make it happen. Finally,” he added.

Alunan, for his part, said, “After 20 years, our dream to have a new training center will soon be a reality. Thank you to the Philippine Sports Commission for spearheading the birth of the National Taekwondo Center, which aligns with our vision for Philippine taekwondo.”

The President has given Gregorio clear marching orders: take care of the national athletes.

Gregorio, who was appointed PSC chairman in July 2025, has taken it to heart, tirelessly working to make sure the President’s dreams for Philippine sports, all 80 national sports associations (NSAs) are realized.

Taekwondo is just one of them.

“Fifty years of the PTA is, therefore, a testament to what can be achieved when an organization remains faithful to its purpose and committed to the Filipino people.

“May we see more young Filipinos discover their strength through the sport, more athletes represent our country with pride, and more communities benefit from the values that Taekwondo instills.

“Together, let us build a Bagong Pilipinas where every Filipino is given the opportunity to strive for excellence, discover what they are capable of, and contribute to the progress of our nation,” said the President.