By Tracy Cabrera
MANILA — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is upgrading sports facilities and equipment in Metro Manila and other parts of the country as part of a broader effort to attract more international sporting events and strengthen the Philippines’ position as a premier sports destination.
PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said improving sports infrastructure is essential not only to hosting major competitions but also to developing grassroots programs and producing world-class Filipino athletes capable of competing on the global stage.
Gregorio discussed the initiative during his appearance at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum, where he was joined by PSC Commissioner Walter “Wawit” Torres, Pilipinas Sepaktakraw Association Inc. (PSTAI) president Karen Tanchanco-Caballero, and members of the junior national team Jay Ann Balwit and John Deryck Diego.
During the forum, Tanchanco-Caballero announced that the Philippines will host the inaugural Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) U19 Asian Championships from November 26 to 30 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The tournament is expected to draw nearly 300 athletes and officials representing 15 countries, including Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia, Iraq, South Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, Iran, Nepal, Oman and host Philippines.
Gold medals will be contested in the boys’ and girls’ regu, boys’ doubles, and boys’ and girls’ quadrant events.
Tanchanco-Caballero said the Philippine junior squad has been undergoing intensive preparations at the Bulacan Sports Complex since September, with the athletes targeting podium finishes in the continental competition.
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