Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledges greater support for Filipino athletes as PhilSports Complex reopens

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed his commitment to sports development, pledging greater government support for Filipino athletes to help the country produce more international champions.

Marcos made the remarks during the reopening of the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City on Wednesday, November 19. He emphasized that sports play a critical role in building character and that the government must “play its part” in ensuring athletes receive proper preparation and support.

“I have an idea about the sacrifices that our athletes make. And the government has to be part of your support group. That’s why government, if we truly consider this important, government has to play its part. We cannot depend on the informal support group that most athletes get,” Marcos said.

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He highlighted the importance of having comprehensive training facilities, proper nutrition, adequate rest, and competent sports medicine to help athletes recover from injuries.

WATCH: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Presidential Son Vinny Marcos, arrives at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City to lead its reopening today, Nov. 19.

| via Kenneth Paciente

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— PTVph (@PTVph) November 19, 2025

“And so, that’s why it’s very good to see this because when athletes are training for a specific match, a specific tournament, a specific game, they have to be, everything about the preparation has to be complete. They have to be able to rest well. They have to be able to eat the proper food. They have to be trained properly. If they get an injury, we must have competent sports medicine to help them overcome their injury and be able to train again, to be ready for the next matches.

“And I know that this kind of facility will be so important and will help our athletes do better in their international competitions, even local competitions, in all their competitions,” he added.

The President also emphasized the value of sports in schools, noting that participation breaks barriers and helps young people develop into better individuals, regardless of whether they eventually represent the country internationally.

“There is no other activity that builds character better than sports, there is no other activity, especially for young people. Because win or lose, it helps you become a better person. Training for a sport is no joke. All of the things you learn when you compete in sports, even at a low, at a decent level, sa mga bata pa lang, mga intramurals, basta sumasali ka sa sport, lahat ‘yan will teach you how to be a better person,” Marcos concluded.

The PhilSports Complex, originally opened in 1985 during the administration of his father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., underwent extensive renovations earlier this year. The upgrades include refurbished arenas, a new swimming center, and 10 additional buildings to house athletes preparing for international competitions.

The Philippines is gearing up for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Bangkok, Thailand, from December 9 to 20. The country plans to send one of its largest contingents ever — a 1,600-strong delegation competing across multiple sports.

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