DUMAGUETE CITY— From humble grassroots beginnings to a full-blown sports movement, Dumaguete City is rapidly carving its identity as the Pickleball Capital of the Philippines.

With more than 300 courts spread across the city and thousands more throughout Negros Oriental, the sport has become a vibrant part of community life, uniting generations, families, and neighborhoods.

This surge of enthusiasm has not gone unnoticed: the Philippine Sports Commission, led by Chairman Patrick Gregorio, has pledged strong commitment and support, ensuring that Dumaguete’s rise in pickleball is matched by the development of world-class facilities for football, track and field, archery, and other disciplines.

Together, the local leadership led by Negros Oriental Governor Chaco Sagarbarria, Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel ``Chiquiting’’ Sagarbarria and Congresswoman Maisa Sagarbarria, and national backing are positioning this city not only as a pickleball powerhouse but as a model hub for holistic sports development in the country.

“What we see here in Dumaguete could be a model of how local governments can embrace new sports while strengthening traditional ones. Pickleball here is not just recreation. It is community, health, and competition rolled into one,” said Gregorio.

Gregorio expressed deep admiration for Dumaguete City’s bold sports vision during the Nationwide Conduct of Handog ng Pangulo 2026 on Monday, an event marking the 69th birthday of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Gregorio delivered the President’s birthday message before thousands gathered at the Dumaguete City Hall Forecourt, underscoring the administration’s commitment to bring government service closer to the people across cities and provinces nationwide.

“We have an aging population here in Dumaguete as well as in the province, so pickleball is a perfect sport for us,” said Dumaguete City Mayor Chiquiting Sagarbarria.

With pickleball flourishing and PSC support for multi-sport facilities underway, Dumaguete is positioning itself as a national hub for sports development and tourism. The city’s blend of grassroots energy, family participation, and institutional backing is setting the stage for a legacy that extends beyond medals toward healthier communities and stronger national pride.

“Pickleball is a sport not only for friends but also for the family, where members can play, be competitive, and stay healthy together. It has become a pastime here in our province where players come from all ages,’’ said Governor Chaco Sagarbarria.

The President’s address highlighted a wide range of initiatives from health care, jobs, and livelihood programs to support for farmers, fisherfolk, and small businesses, alongside expanded opportunities for workers and students.

With the coordinated efforts of national agencies and the local government, additional programs were also rolled out to meet the needs of families and communities, ensuring that the celebration of his 69th birthday translated into tangible service and lasting impact.

“The PSC is committed to working with Dumaguete and Negros Oriental to ensure that facilities for football, track and field, and archery are developed to world-class standards. This is how we build pathways from grassroots to gold, and from gold to greatness,” said Gregorio.

Among the 53 government departments, agencies, and offices that took part in Handog ng Pangulo 2026 and extended gifts and services to the people of Negros Oriental were the Philippine National Police, Department of Trade and Industry, TESDA, Department of Health, Department of Natural Resources, DOJ, CHED, DOTR, DILG, DICT, NHA, PSA, DepEd, DSWD, DOLE, PhilHealth, DMW, LTO, NBI, the Philippine Army, and PCA, alongside the host local government.