BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

The Philippines fielded a 200-strong delegation of student-athletes, coaches, and officials at the opening ceremony of the 14th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) on Thursday, marking the country’s renewed push to strengthen youth sports under the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

The country’s participation forms part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader sports development agenda, which places school-based athletics at the heart of efforts to build future national athletes and instill discipline, teamwork, and competitiveness among learners. 

Led by Chef de Mission Dr. Miguel Angelo Mantaring, Director IV of DepEd’s Bureau of Learner Support Services, the contingent joined nine ASEAN countries in the annual meet that gathers top secondary school athletes from across the region. Serving as Deputy Chef de Mission is Cesar Abalon, Chief of the BLSS–School Sports Division.In a message to athletes, Education Secretary Sonny Angara urged the delegation to embrace both competition and character. “Ang mahalaga ay ma-enjoy ninyo ang bawat sandali, makabuo ng pagkakaibigan, at maiuwi ang mga life lessons na matututunan ninyo sa bawat laban. Keep fighting with fairness, dignity, and pride, and always carry our flag with honor,” he said.
The Philippines will compete in eight disciplines, including core events Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, and Swimming, along with Netball, Pencak Silat, Sepak Takraw, and Wushu. Around 340 medals are at stake, with 106 gold, 106 silver, and 128 bronze at play.

PSC Chairman Pató Gregorio underscored closer coordination between PSC and DepEd to elevate school sports nationwide. “That is the collaboration we want to strengthen. We are sincere, we are driven, and we want to make our athletes happy,” he said.

The Philippines aims to improve its sixth-place finish in last year’s ASG in Da Nang, Vietnam, with both DepEd and PSC viewing the regional meet as a key platform for nurturing young talent and reinforcing the administration’s drive to widen youth participation in sports.
Beyond competition, DepEd is advancing its school-based sports program, which requires each club to hold 2–3 hours of activities weekly, with at least one hour per session. The department maintains an updated listing of clubs per school and will conduct surveys to identify gaps in schools without established clubs.  

DepEd is complementing formal clubs with advocacy campaigns to encourage physical activity during school breaks as part of Angara’s 5-point Reform Agenda on learner health and well-being. The department is also coordinating with the PSC to further strengthen school-based programs.

*All Photos from DepEd