For House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a Bagong Pilipinas means a healthy Pilipinas.

That's why Romualdez encouraged Filipinos to take advantage of the public access to the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) track and field facilities pursuant to President Marcos' directive issued in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“The President’s order to open public sports spaces—such as parks, plazas, and track and field ovals—comes at the right time. Our health is a treasure that must be protected through proper nutrition, medical consultation when needed, and regular physical activity,” Romualdez said in a statement.

After the President’s SONA, the PSC announced that its track and field facilities at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, Philsports Complex in Pasig and Teachers’ Camp in Baguio City are now open to the public daily, free of charge, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district congressman, stated that the House of Representatives fully supports the President's health advocacy.

“Handa kaming maglatag ng mga panukala o maglaan ng karampatang pondo para sa maisulong ang mga programa na magtataguyod sa layuning ito ng ating Pangulo para sa Bagong Pilipinas--kung saan ang ating mga kababayan ay malusog, masaya, at ligtas sa anumang karamdaman.”

(We are prepared to propose measures and allocate sufficient funding to advance programs that support the President’s vision for a Bagong Pilipinas—where our fellow citizens are healthy, happy, and free of ailments.)

The Speaker noted that the PSC’s facilities can also serve as safe venues where families can have fun together, and communities can gather to promote wellness through sports and fitness.

“Our country’s open spaces and sports facilities are for everyone to enjoy. I encourage Filipinos of all ages to visit the PSC’s facilities, exercise safely away from traffic, and build healthy habits that will serve them for life,” he added.

Romualdez likewise lauded the President’s holistic approach to promoting better health for Filipinos — improving not only access to nutritious food and health care but also ensuring that safe spaces for exercise are available to all.

“Hangga’t maaari, dapat nating pagsikapan na tayo ay magkaroon ng isang proactive lifestyle—hindi lamang para gumaan ang timbang, kundi para sa pangkalahatang kalusugan,” he said.

(As much as possible, we must strive to adopt a proactive lifestyle—not merely to lose weight, but to promote overall health and well-being.)

He underscored the value of activities such as fun runs, dance classes and local sports programs, noting that various studies have shown that exercise is associated with numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, better mental health, enhanced immune function and a reduced risk of chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.