On Saturday, April 26, the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC), in partnership with San Miguel Brewery Inc., hosted the 39th SAC-SMB Cebu Sports Awards, where Cebuano athletes were honored for their exceptional contributions and achievements in the field of sports. Behind each accolade lies a story of dedication, perseverance, and hard work—qualities that have helped elevate Cebu’s standing in both national and international sporting arenas. I wasn’t an athlete (unless you count my involvement in dance sport as a kid), but boy, I was beaming with pride.
The sports landscape in the country is dynamic and full of potential, supported by key statutes and institutions that help govern its development. Beyond the state’s policy to promote physical education and encourage sports programs, we have Republic Act No. 6847, which established the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). As the central policy-making and coordinating body for amateur sports, the PSC holds broad powers over development efforts, funding, and collaboration with other agencies and sectors. It works hand in hand with major stakeholders like the Philippine Olympic Committee and various national sports associations to support and care for Filipino athletes.
While this institutional support is commendable, we cannot overlook the fact that the PSC also faces significant challenges—challenges that directly impact both our athletes and the broader sports culture, especially at the grassroots level.
One of the most persistent issues is the lack of adequate funding. Although the PSC receives support from the national government, resources are often spread too thin across various sports disciplines. Popular sports like basketball and boxing tend to receive the lion’s share of public attention and financial backing, leaving lesser-known but equally competitive sports underfunded. This financial imbalance affects not only training and facilities but also international exposure and the athletes’ ability to remain competitive on the world stage.
In the 2024 case of Guiao v. Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation), the Supreme Court acknowledged that inadequate funding for sports development agencies like the PSC undermines the growth and support of Filipino athletes. The failure of government agencies to properly remit funds has a direct and detrimental effect on the resources available to our national sports programs.
Another pressing concern is the lack of sustained support for sports development programs, which are vital in giving young athletes the exposure and guidance needed to pursue a sporting career. Moreover, there must be a stronger enforcement of laws regulating the commercialization of student-athletes. Schools should be restricted from offering benefits beyond those enumerated in Republic Act No. 10676—such as tuition, board, uniforms, and reasonable allowances—to prevent the “piracy” of athletes and to fairly regulate residency status across institutions.
To truly overcome these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is needed. The government, in collaboration with the private sector, must invest more resources in sports development. Such partnerships are crucial for mobilizing funding, sharing technical expertise, and providing long-term support for our athletes.
It is also high time for the PSC to fully implement and strengthen the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). This fund should be institutionalized at the local level, encouraging provinces, cities, and municipalities to adopt their own sports ordinances aligned with national goals. For transparency and accountability, the PSC can work with the Department of Education (DepEd) to evaluate and expedite the release of funds sought by the local government units.
As outlined in Section 1, Rule VII of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 6847, the NSDF is intended to finance the country’s integrated sports development program, including the staging of national games and multi-level competitions. However, what urgently needs more focused attention is funding for manpower, technical support, and facilities—especially for the Palarong Pambansa and other school-based sports programs under the DepEd. Ensuring continuity in athlete development starts with strong foundations in youth and school sports.
Despite the many hurdles, Filipino athletes continue to demonstrate unwavering dedication in honing their craft and earning recognition in various competitions. Their resilience and excellence deserve not only our applause but also stronger, sustained support from all stakeholders involved.