PSC eyes Bukidnon as the new breeding ground for Philippine boxing champions

The Philippine boxing team, one of the country’s most successful contingents in international competitions from the Olympic Games to the Asian and Southeast Asian Games, has received a major boost with the designation of the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Center as its new training hub.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), led by chairman Patrick Gregorio, recently inspected the facility, which features a 15,000-seat stadium, a track and field oval, a football field, and an aquatics center—making it an ideal venue to nurture the next generation of Filipino boxers.

“I’m very happy to be here. Thumbs up to the development of your province and city—such beautiful facilities. I have seen many training centers around the world, and this is truly world-class,” Gregorio said.

🍍Bukidnon Steps Into the Ring: A New Home for National Boxers and Grassroots Champions 🥊🌄

The fresh breeze of Bukidnon is about to carry the sound of gloves hitting pads and the cheers of a community rallying behind its athletes.

FULL STORY⬇️https://t.co/TfACOxiVXR

— Philippine Sports Commission (@psc_gov) August 23, 2025

He added that the PSC’s role goes beyond supporting national athletes. “If we work harder and collaborate with LGUs, we can develop regional training centers. We mapped out all potential training centers nationwide and presented them to the president. We aim to develop these within 12 to 18 months. Why are we doing this? In Zamboanga, for example, there are 300 young weightlifters. It’s their focus sport, and they are winning in international competitions,” Gregorio explained.

National boxing coach Elmer Pamisa, who trains around 60 boxers in Cagayan de Oro—a recognized hotbed for the sport—was also present during the tour.

“Boxing is perfect for a region like Bukidnon. Many boxers hail from Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, General Santos City, and even Davao. One of our coaches, Mario Fernandez, a two-time SEA Games gold medalist, is from Malaybalay. Ironically, Mario is now based in Baguio, training 13- to 15-year-old boxers from Bukidnon. Clearly, there is something off with that setup,” Pamisa said.

Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam, a native of Bukidnon, also welcomed the PSC’s initiative, expressing optimism that housing national boxers in a world-class facility close to home would further elevate Philippine boxing.

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