by John Jufel V. Simpliciano

The 2025 Palarong Pambansa is currently in full swing, and with it comes renewed hope and opportunity for young Filipino archers. Events like this do not just showcase talent; they provide a rare platform for young archers to gain exposure, experience, and a glimpse of what could be a future in competitive archery.

Filipino archers have started to gain recognition in international competitions. Athletes like Rachel Anne Cabral and Mark Javier have competed in the Olympics, while others have brought home medals from the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

However, these successes only tell one side of the story. Behind the medals and international appearances are many young Filipino archers who continue to struggle with financial constraints and a lack of institutional support.

For neophyte archers, the cost of basic archery equipment is expensive. According to Benel Industries Corporation, a competition-grade recurve bow riser used by Palarong Pambansa archer, such as the WIN&WIN WIAWIS ATF-DX, is priced at ₱55,800, while the META DX riser costs ₱73,500. Arrows, essential for practice and competition, are priced at ₱350 each, and a full set of 12 can total ₱4,200.

At this year’s Palaro, 57 and 52 male and female archers, respectively, from various regions are competing with determination—but many of them, especially those from rural areas, had to rely on community fundraisers, sponsorships, or personal savings just to make it to the venue. Without consistent access to funds, even the most talented archers may be forced to drop out of the sport.

Moreover, there are only a few certified archery coaches and trainers in the country, and most are concentrated in urban areas, making high-level training largely inaccessible to aspiring archers in rural regions. In addition, membership in World Archery Philippines (WAP)—one of the country’s governing bodies for the sport—is costly, making it difficult for many young athletes to access the opportunities it offers.

Even support from the government remains inconsistent. Although the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and local government units are mandated to fund national athletes, support is often delayed or insufficient, especially for athletes competing in regional competitions like Palarong Pambansa or Batang Pinoy. In several testimonies, athletes and their coaches had to cover their own travel and lodging expenses due to delayed budget releases. This reality forces many athletes to choose between continuing their pursuit of excellence and giving up due to unsustainable costs.

Despite these challenges, Filipino archers continue to pursue the sport out of passion and commitment. This determination is a common trait among athletes in under-recognized sports. Archers exhibit exceptional focus, discipline, and mental fortitude—qualities that could lead to international recognition if given proper support.

Promoting archery is not just about medals—it is also about preserving and honoring this legacy. The Philippines has already proven it can produce high-caliber archers. What is missing is consistent support, accessible training programs, and proper recognition.

Being an archer in the Philippines is both a test of skill and resilience. Young athletes are shooting with expensive arrows, both literally and figuratively, shouldering costs and hardships that should never have been theirs to bear alone, but in the face of adversity, they continue to push forward. One can only imagine what heights Filipino archers could reach if the path to success were not paved with so many avoidable obstacles.

The question now is not whether they are capable, but whether we, as a community, are willing to support them.