The country’s success in major international events isn’t a stroke of luck. It is the outcome of hard work, dedication, strategic planning, and teamwork among officials of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
While the PSC is widely recognized for its support of elite athletes, its commitment to grassroots development serves as the silent engine that fuels the nation’s athletic aspirations, ensuring a continuous pipeline of future champions.
The PSC’s mandate extends far beyond providing funds: it’s deeply rooted in the constitutional directive to promote physical education and encourage sports programs at all levels, leading to the creation of a big talent pool that produces future members of the national team.
This commitment is vividly demonstrated through flagship initiatives like Batang Pinoy and the Philippine National Games (PNG) as well as providing technical support to the Palarong Pambansa — the annual multi-sport event for elementary and secondary students.
The Batang Pinoy is considered as the PSC’s most impactful grassroots program. Designed for athletes 15 years old and below, it serves as a nationwide talent identification and development platform. Imagine thousands of young, aspiring athletes from every corner of the archipelago converging, not just to compete, but to discover their potential.
These games serve as a crucible where raw talent is identified and young dreamers are given their first taste of organized competition. What makes Batang Pinoy truly inclusive is its reach to out-of-school youth and marginalized sectors, ensuring that talent is not limited by socio-economic circumstances.
Following Batang Pinoy, the PNG then serves as the next rung on the ladder, providing a platform for older, more developed athletes to showcase their skills and eventually be considered for national training pools. Together, these two programs form a comprehensive pathway, guiding athletes from their nascent stages through a structured development system.
As outgoing PSC chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann, together with sports commissioners Matthew “Fritz” Gaston, Olivia “Bong” Coo, Walter Torres and Edward Hayco, often emphasizes, these programs are not just about finding winners; they are about fostering a love for sports and instilling valuable life lessons.
“The PSC will continue to invest in initiatives that nurture young talents and provide them with the resources they need to succeed,” said Bachmann, who had a stellar 30-month stint in office before being replaced by seasoned sports administrator Patrick “Pato” Gregorio over the weekend.
It also actively supports sports clinics and coaches development programs, which are aimed at enhancing the skills of regional athletes and, crucially, developing the competency of local coaches. This commitment to capacity building at the local level ensures that the foundation of Philippine sports is strong and self-sustaining.
Another crucial aspect of grassroots development is accessibility.
The PSC strives to make sports available to the greatest number of Filipinos, irrespective of their background. This involves not only organizing competitions but also promoting “Sports for All” initiatives, including programs for women in sports, indigenous peoples’ games, and para-athletes.
“Sports has always held a special place in every Filipino, breaking borders and uniting people from all walks of life. It has the unique ability to instill discipline, teamwork and a spirit of sportsmanship,” Bachmann said.
Bachmann, himself a former athlete, understands the long and arduous journey from the grassroots to the international stage. He knows that developing the next Hidilyn Diaz or Carlos Yulo, who both played in PSC-organized grassroots events, is easier said than done.
“You don’t know how hard it is to qualify for the Olympics, and it’s doubly hard to win a medal,” he said, underscoring the necessity of a robust grassroots system to produce athletes capable of competing globally.
Bachmann always says that developing champion athletes “takes a village.”
Indeed, the PSC is tirelessly building that village, brick by brick, ensuring that every Filipino child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of sports, and perhaps, one day, stand on an Olympic podium with a shiny gold medal around their necks.