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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider PH athletes get additional boost from private companies

PH athletes get additional boost from private companies

Published Sep 18, 2025 02:21 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has signed a multi-year partnership with two private companies to further help the national athletes when they compete in the major tournaments here and abroad.
Karate Pilipinas President Richard Lim, from left, SportsPlus Head of Partnerships James da Costa, JiuJitsu Federation of the Philippines President Ferdinand Agustin, World Games bronze medalists Aislinn Agnes Yap and Carlos Baylon Jr., POC chief Bambol Tolentino, and PLDT and Smart head of sports 1st vice president Jude Turcuato
Karate Pilipinas President Richard Lim, from left, SportsPlus Head of Partnerships James da Costa, JiuJitsu Federation of the Philippines President Ferdinand Agustin, World Games bronze medalists Aislinn Agnes Yap and Carlos Baylon Jr., POC chief Bambol Tolentino, and PLDT and Smart head of sports 1st vice president Jude Turcuato
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has signed a multi-year partnership with two private companies to further help the national athletes when they compete in the major tournaments here and abroad.
POC president Bambol Tolentino attended the official signing ceremony along with SportsPlus and Smart Communications at Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong City Wednesday, Sept. 17.
“What’s the benefit of this collaboration? Ito po ay not for me, not POC, it’s all for our national athletes, ang importante po rito ang preparasyon, and our coming [international competitions] andyan na ‘ayan,” said Tolentino.
“Matagal na po kaming partner ng Smart… nadagdagan pa ng isa, baka madagdagan ‘yong swerte natin ngayon baka hindi lang two golds makuha natin sa LA [2028],” he added.
SportsPlus, the official gaming partner of POC, vowed to support the Philippine contingent for its upcoming stints overseas, including the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand later this December and the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan next year.
“We are a dedicated supporter of the exceptional manner and spirit of the Filipino athletes from grassroots development to the professional advancement onto the world stage,” said SportsPlus head of partnerships James da Costa.
“We’re committed to standing with athletes in every step of the way. This partnership is our pledge to provide the resources they need to excel in bringing pride to the nation,” he added.
This would be a major boost for the Nationals, especially as the POC plans to bring more than 1,600 athletes for the biennial meet on Thai soil.
Tolentino is hoping tennis star Alex Eala and pole vaulter EJ Obiena could suit up for Team Philippines along with other Olympians, seasoned athletes, and emerging talents spearheaded by Paris gold medalist Carlos Yulo.
During the ceremony, Chengdu World Games bronze medalists in sambist Aislinn Yap and wushu artist Carlos Baylon Jr. as well as jiu jitsu silver medalists Kaila Napolis and cue artist Chezka Centeno, who both missed the event, were recognized for their fruitful campaigns. All of them received a brand new iPhone 17 from SportsPlus.
“With this partnership, our athletes will be connected whether providing world-class connectivity, livestreaming or sports content, or keeping our national athletes in touch with their family and supporters when they compete abroad,” said Turcuato.
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