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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider Ahead of the Game: Why the Maya–PSC Partnership is a Game-Changer for Philippine Sports

Ahead of the Game: Why the Maya–PSC Partnership is a Game-Changer for Philippine Sports

Published Aug 20, 2025 09:32 am
Mazel Paris: Youngest skater for Park discipline (photo credit: Mazel Paris Instagram)
Mazel Paris: Youngest skater for Park discipline (photo credit: Mazel Paris Instagram)
As someone who has spent years managing athletes and working closely with National Sports Associations—including skateboarding—I’ve seen the dedication not only on the field but also behind the scenes. Our sports community has always found ways to make things work, even with processes that were largely manual and paper-based. But imagine how much more we could achieve with faster, more transparent, and athlete-centered systems. For years, many of us have envisioned a fully digital approach that would make support seamless and efficient—and now, we’re finally seeing that vision take shape.
That’s why the partnership between Maya and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is such a breakthrough. It’s not just about adopting new tools—it’s about embedding technology into the heart of athlete support. As Shailesh Baidwan, Maya Group President and Maya Bank Co-Founder, puts it: “This partnership is about more than technology—it’s about giving our athletes the support they deserve both on and off the field. Together with PSC, we’re building a stronger financial foundation for Philippine sports and helping empower every Filipino athlete to reach world-class status.”
Seated, from left: Angelo Madrid, Maya Bank President; Shailesh Baidwan, Maya Group President and Maya Bank Co-Founder; Orlando Vea, Maya Group CEO-Founder and Maya Bank Co-Founder; Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairperson John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio; PSC Commissioner Francis Walter Torres; PSC Director Merlita Ibay; Atty. Erik Jean Mayores, Chief for Accounting Division, PSC. Standing, from left: Johanna Torres, Executive Assistant, PSC; Kristoffer Rada, Head of Corporate Affairs, Maya; Peter Thaddeus Cruz, Head of Enterprise Business, Maya; Louise Jashil Sonido, Chief of Staff, PSC; Justin Dayrit, Director for Product Management, Maya; Atty. Diomarie Pedrozo, Legal Officer, PSC.
Seated, from left: Angelo Madrid, Maya Bank President; Shailesh Baidwan, Maya Group President and Maya Bank Co-Founder; Orlando Vea, Maya Group CEO-Founder and Maya Bank Co-Founder; Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairperson John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio; PSC Commissioner Francis Walter Torres; PSC Director Merlita Ibay; Atty. Erik Jean Mayores, Chief for Accounting Division, PSC. Standing, from left: Johanna Torres, Executive Assistant, PSC; Kristoffer Rada, Head of Corporate Affairs, Maya; Peter Thaddeus Cruz, Head of Enterprise Business, Maya; Louise Jashil Sonido, Chief of Staff, PSC; Justin Dayrit, Director for Product Management, Maya; Atty. Diomarie Pedrozo, Legal Officer, PSC.
Under the Championing the Pinoy Athlete program, PSC and Maya are introducing automated allowance disbursement for athletes and coaches, complete with a cashless payment system and a transparent, trackable process for National Sports Associations. This means no more weeks of waiting, no more uncertainty—just swift, secure, and accountable financial support.
The tech component doesn’t stop there. Athletes will now have access to Maya’s integrated digital financial tools—from savings and credit to insurance and investments—helping them build financial security that lasts beyond their competitive careers. For a young skater saving for their first home or a veteran coach planning retirement, this is a huge leap forward.
Beyond governance, this also opens the door for tech-powered fan engagement during key national sports events—making it easier for supporters to participate, contribute, and stay connected to the teams they love.
For me, this isn’t just about embracing technology for the sake of modernization, it’s about finally bridging the gap between sports governance and athlete welfare. It’s about giving our athletes the same level of efficiency, transparency, and digital access that professionals in other industries already enjoy.
Chairman Pato put it best: “Our athletes give their all for the country. This collaboration ensures their support is just as strong—swift, secure, and transparent.”
And as someone who has been in the trenches of sports management, I couldn’t agree more. The game is changing, and with partnerships like this, we’re finally playing with the right tools.
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