PSC lauds PATAFA grassroot program as Filipinos rule ICTSI Athletic Championship

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio praised the Philippine Athletics and Track and Field Association (PATAFA) for its grassroots and talent identification efforts following the successful staging of the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium, June 14.

“The seamless organization of this championship shows how far Philippine athletics has come. PATAFA has proven that with vision and discipline, we can stage world-class events right here at home. PATAFA has a very good, well-defined grassroots and talent identification program,” said Gregorio.

The five-day meet served as the country’s premier track-and-field competition, bringing together elite, youth and grassroots athletes while providing a platform for emerging talents to compete.

The event, which added an under-20 category alongside the under-18 and Open/Elite divisions, was co-presented by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and New Clark City and bannered 1,015 athletes, including 95 international competitors from the United States, Canada, Samoa, South Korea, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Chinese Taipei.

“We wanted to give more opportunities for youth athletes to compete at a high level. The Under-20 bracket ensures continuity in development and prepares them for the international stage,” said PATAFA president Terry Capistrano.

Sprinters, jumpers, and throwers delivered standout performances across all divisions, and the competition did not disappoint, as Filipinos asserted dominance in every category.

Medals rain for the Nationals

The Philippine National team ruled the Men’s Open Division with a dominant seven gold, seven silver, and four bronze medals, as Fil-Am Sports settled as first runner-up with four golds and two silvers, while the Philippine Army rounded out the podium with two golds, a silver, and a bronze.

In the Women’s Open, the Nationals likewise swept to the championship with four golds and two silvers as DLSU T.A.F.T. claimed first runner-up honors with three medals apiece, while Indonesia secured second runner-up with three golds and a silver.

On the other hand, University of Santo Tomas seized the Under-20 Men’s division with four golds and a bronze, as Santa Rosa City, Laguna clinched first runner-up with two golds and four silvers, while Mapua Project Elite settled for second runner-up with a gold, two silvers, and a bronze.

Far Eastern University stormed the Under-20 Women’s crown with four golds, a silver, and bronze as UST pocketed first runner-up honors with three golds and a bronze, while the UP Track and Field team completed the podium with two golds, five silvers, and three bronzes.

Atletico iSKOLAR Calamba City lorded over the Under-18 Women’s division with four golds, two silvers, and 2.5 bronzes as the National Academy of Sports hauled first runner-up honors with 3.5 golds and six silvers, while Pinoy Athletics wrapped up the podium with three golds, two silvers, and a bronze.

In the Under-18 Men’s division, Korea was hailed as the champion with three golds as Pinoy Athletics fought back as first runner-up with two golds, two silvers, and three bronzes, while the Province of Bohol nailed second runner-up honors with two golds and two silvers.

Strengthening ties beyond the track

Also present at the tilt was Korean Junior Athletics Federation (KJAF) chair Park Hyun Chun, as PATAFA’s Capistrano informed PSC Chair Gregorio of a verbal agreement for a dual program between the two federations, including an open invitation for the Filipino athletes to train at Yecheon’s premier facilities in South Korea.  

“This partnership with Korea is a game-changer. Our athletes will gain access to world-class training environments, and in return, we strengthen ties with one of Asia’s most dynamic athletics programs,’’ said Capistrano.

On top of that, Capistrano also announced that PATAFA is set to stage the Asian Under-18 Athletics Championships in April 2027 at the same venue, setting the stage for the country’s young tracksters to compete at the highest level of regional athletics.