The Senate Committee on Sports on Thursday conducted a post-evaluation of the Philippine delegation’s participation in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, with officials and athletes discussing ways to improve support for Filipino athletes.
The hearing tackled Proposed Senate Resolution No. 674, which seeks to assess the country’s Asian Games performance and strengthen preparations for future international competitions.
Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go highlighted the need for adequate government assistance in athletes’ training, equipment, and preparation, while stressing the importance of public-private partnerships.
“We are here to listen and when necessary, to strengthen our laws and policies so that government support truly reaches the athletes who need it,” Go said.
Meanwhile, Sen. Pia Cayetano stressed the importance of grassroots development and producing the next generation of athletes as she questioned pole vaulter EJ Obiena about the challenges of developing the sport nationwide.
“In as much as we want to compete at the highest level, age is not our friend. So I was asking EJ, 'Where are your prodigies?” Cayetano said.
Obiena cited limited access to world-class training facilities as a major challenge, noting that some Filipino athletes are forced to train abroad. He said he has partnered with private sponsors to conduct sports clinics that have already recruited dozens of young athletes.
Also present at the hearing were Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, coach Tim Cone, and other sports officials and athletes.
