MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Sports activities Fee (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio is decided to cement his legacy in Philippine sports activities by institutionalizing Nationwide Coaching Facilities throughout the areas to strengthen the nation’s grassroots program.
Gregorio emphasised that the Philippines can’t construct a strong basis in sports activities if athlete growth stays confined to Metro Manila.
“Bakit kayo nasa Rizal Memorial at sa PhilSports lang ang coaching? Dapat nasa regional na kayo,” Gregorio stated, echoing the recommendation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. throughout their latest assembly in Malacañang.
“That is what President Marcos desires — that we fast-track the institution of Nationwide Coaching Facilities within the areas. Many amenities exist already and solely should be developed. For areas with out correct venues, we’ve already recognized native skills and can construct coaching hubs round them,” he added.
The PSC chief, who has huge expertise in basketball, boxing and rowing, stated he has began discussions with numerous Nationwide Sports activities Associations (NSAs) to make sure that coaching facilities might be designed primarily based on NSA ideas and expertise identification.
“Let’s fast-track the creation of regional coaching facilities. I’ve requested native officers to undertake particular sports activities, as a result of if not, we gained’t transfer ahead. We can’t construct coaching facilities and simply fill them with each sport — it would drain sources. Undertake the sports activities, and we gained’t go improper,” Gregorio pressured.
He cited the latest success of eight younger Filipino weightlifters — all medalists in worldwide competitions, six of whom hail from Zamboanga — as proof that regional specialization works.
“Let’s deal with weightlifting there. In Bukidnon, there are lots of sturdy boxers and arnis gamers. I’ve already spoken with Senator Migz Zubiri and we’ll be going to the realm quickly,” he shared.
Among the many focused websites for coaching facilities are Ilocos Norte, Baguio, Bataan, Tarlac (the place the New Clark Metropolis is already in place), Tayabas (Quezon), Batangas, Cavite, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Zamboanga, and Siargao.
“Siargao excels in browsing and water sports activities — that’s the place we should always convey them. A lot of our boxers come from the Visayas, whereas Iloilo is powerful in soccer. The consensus amongst native and sports activities officers is ‘Undertake a sport.’ If we work collectively, we gained’t go improper,” Gregorio stated.
