by Kathleen E. Fandag

Let the games begin,” is a famous line that signals the commencement of every sports competition. The most prestigious athletic meet of the country, the Palarong Pambansa 2025 is held with grandeur and festivity in Ilocos Norte, beaming with the Ilocanos’ pride in presenting not only their world- class Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr (FEM) sports arena but also their rich culture and picturesque province.

Welcoming more than 15,000 delegations coming from the 18 regions of the country, as well as numerous sports enthusiasts and government leaders, undeniably, this event is an assembly point of top caliber players of the land, an avenue to showcase their athletic skills and prowess wherein every athlete is pursuing a lifelong aspiration, to claim the pinnacle of every sports contest, the renowned gold medal award.

Every Pinoy athlete strives not only to claim the elusive gold medal in Palarong Pambansa but also to represent the country in the world stage, aiming for glory and earning a spot in the world’ biggest sporting events, from the SEA Games to the Olympic Tournament. However, the world of sports keeps on evolving into greater heights, seeking to achieve not only mediocrity but excellence.

Sadly, this is where the Filipino athletes seem to be behind compared to our neighboring Asian countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. In many instances, the Philippines finds itself at the tail end when it comes to medal standing in international competitions, raising a pressing concern; what’s hindering the nation’s sports progress and development.

There is no denying that Pinoy players possess skills and abilities comparable, if not better, than their foreign counterparts. Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s first Olympic gold medalist who won the 55 kilograms category at the 2020 Summer Olympics and is a two-time Olympian. Carlos Yulo, a Filipino gymnast who made history by becoming the Philippines’ first double Olympic gold medalist. This overwhelming triumph was achieved at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning gold medals in the men’s floor exercise and vault events. Foremost is the legendary Teofilo Yldefonso, famously known as the “Ilocano Shark” who made an outstanding historical record and the first ever Filipino to win an Olympic medal, claiming bronze in the 200-meter breaststroke events at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics and the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. The impressive track records of our athletes have proven their exceptional skill and outstanding abilities in the world of sports.

With thousands of young athletes aspiring to move forward to the Olympics like Diaz, Yulo and Yldefonso, it is imperative for the country to prioritize its sports program, focusing on the improvement of training activities and spotlighting the athletes’ welfare. Tailored training programs definitely enhance athlete’s skills and performance, better training and support can prepare them for international competitions, holistic development can lead to their physical, mental and emotional well-being. The real athletic challenge extends beyond physical strength, demanding intellectual toughness, emotional resilience, and social adaptability. Sports programs must also be long-term because it leads to sustained success and sports culture in the Philippines. Without overwhelming resource allocation which ensures effective use of facilities and financial allocation, the training for world class athletes may be placed in vain. Therefore, our elected government officials and leaders as well as other stakeholders must champion this initiative.

Our Olympic aspirants, our young, strong and vibrant Filipino athletes are thirsty for recalibrating their athletic capabilities and are ready to elevate and unlock their full potentials. They are indeed eager to take their performances to the next level and are awaiting opportunities to refine their skills.

Let their voices and plea be heard and give them a chance to realize their dreams of becoming world class athletes. As the Palarong Pambansa 2025 nearly comes to an end, may it be not the end for our sports’ goals.

May the Filipino athletes reach new heights and bring pride to the nation. It is time to invest in their development and provide necessary support for them to succeed in the world stage.

These will help the nation to produce more Yulos in the future!