Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio capped the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships 2026, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, with high praise and forward-looking plans, declaring the five-day meet at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium a resounding success and a vital step in grassroots sports development.
“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,” said Gregorio.
“PATAFA has a very good, well-defined grassroots and talent identification program,” he added.
The annual ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships, also known as the National Open, serves as the country’s premier track and field competition, designed to sharpen elite athletes while providing a platform for emerging youth and grassroots talents.
This year’s edition, co-presented by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and New Clark City, attracted 1,015 athletes, including 95 competitors from nine countries: the United States, Canada, Samoa, Korea, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Chinese Taipei.
The meet expanded its reach by introducing an Under-20 category alongside the Under-18 and Open/Elite divisions, a move Gregorio described as “a bold investment in the future of our young athletes.”
“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.
(C) PATAFA
Beyond the competition, Gregorio and Capistrano met with Korea Junior Athletics Federation President Park Hyunchun during a dinner hosted at Royce Hotel.
Capistrano informed the PSC chairman of a verbal agreement between PATAFA and the KJAF for a dual-program partnership, which includes an open invitation for Filipino athletes to train at Yecheon’s premier athletics 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.
PATAFA Secretary General Jasper Tanhueco explained that the partnership is designed as a student-athlete exchange program. Under the arrangement, PATAFA will send high school athletes to compete in Korea, while Korean athletes will travel to the Philippines to participate in local competitions.
“This initiative aims to elevate the level of competition, foster international friendships and cultural exchange, and provide our youth athletes with valuable competitive experience and exposure,” said Tanhueco.
Looking ahead, Capistrano confirmed that PATAFA will host the Asian Under-18 Athletics Championships in April 2027 at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium, further cementing the venue’s role as a regional hub for youth athletics.
“Grassroots development is not just about participation, it’s about building pathways to excellence. What we saw in New Clark City is proof that Philippine athletics is ready to rise,” said Gregorio.
