Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino called for full government support for the country’s national athletes as the Philippines shifts its focus to qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics following its historic medal haul at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
In a press interview on Monday, Oct. 5, Tolentino urged the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to prioritize training, international exposure and participation in Olympic qualifying events.
“Huwag bibitaw, huwag bibitinin. Dapat buhos,” Tolentino said, emphasizing the need for sustained government funding if the Philippines is serious about its LA 2028 campaign.
The Philippines won a record 29 medals in the Asian Games, with Tolentino noting that the majority came from sports included in the Olympic program.
“If you will dissect the result of the Asian Games, tingnan niyo lahat ng Olympic sports doon, those Olympic sports, ’yun dapat ang focus natin after the Asian Games,” Tolentino said.
He said funding should be directed toward athletes competing in Olympic disciplines, particularly for training, exposure and participation in qualifying events.
Among the athletes already positioned for the Olympic qualification push is tennis player Alex Eala, who is currently ranked No. 18 in the world and anticipated to be inside the Olympic qualification cutoff.
Eala also needs to play twice in the Billie Jean King Cup to complete a requirement for Olympic eligibility, according to the POC.
Boxing will begin its Olympic qualification campaign next year with a series in Almaty, Kazakhstan, while the Philippine taekwondo team will prepare for the Asian Continental Qualifying Tournament, which offers a crucial route to Los Angeles, according to the POC.
Tolentino said the strong performance in Japan should serve as a springboard for the country’s Olympic campaign rather than an endpoint.
“Doon ang focus, doon ang direksyon, at doon din dapat ang focus ng funding ng government through the PSC,” he said.
The Philippines is seeking to build on its recent Olympic gains after winning four medals at the Paris 2024 Games, including two gold medals from Carlos Yulo in gymnastics and a bronze from Aira Villegas in boxing.
