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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider For Philippine sports boom: Villafuertes eye start-up vouchers for young athletes

For Philippine sports boom: Villafuertes eye start-up vouchers for young athletes

Published Jul 22, 2026 03:21 pm

At A Glance

  • The Villafuerte brothers push HB No. 3236 to grant vouchers and support funds for young athletes and accredited clubs, in line with President Marcos's sports development agenda.
  • Sonny Angara highlights the President's message during NAS inspection, stressing facilities to hone talents like Alex Eala, who reached Wimbledon's Round of 16.
  • HB No. 3751 also seeks to establish a Philippine Esports Commission, tapping into the fast-growing gaming market and nurturing Filipino talent.
Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala (Facebook)
Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala (Facebook)


Amid President Marcos's fresh call for intensified sports development in the country, Camarines Sur Reps. Migz Villafuerte (5th district) and Luigi Villafuerte (2nd district) are pushing for a grassroots-based recruitment and training program to produce homegrown athletes who can excel globally.
The solon-siblings said the government must provide opportunities for young Filipinos to develop world-class skills and extend state financial support to them and their sports clubs or organizations.
Rep. Migz, chairman of the House Committee on Information and Communications Technology, said: “The 20th Congress can help President Marcos achieve his goal of producing more world-class Filipino athletes by writing new legislation… aimed at granting start-up funds or vouchers to young athletes, including those with disabilities, who cannot afford membership fees of local sports or recreation clubs.”
He added that House Bill (HB) No. 3236 also proposes support funds for accredited sports organizations nationwide to sustain grassroots initiatives or improve facilities.
The chamber passed a similar measure in the 19th Congress—HB No. 8495—co-authored by Rep. Migz and then-congressman, now Camarines Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte.
Rep. Luigi, a deputy majority leader, said HB No. 3236’s approval is timely, “Given that President Marcos himself pitched for more intensive sports development initiatives during his inspection of NAS facilities at New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.”
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, who joined the President, said: “Sabihin niya sa publiko na meron tayong pasilidad na ganito… Kung meron tayong magagaling na atleta, pwede silang dito para talagang mahasa.”
(He wants to show the public that we have such facilities… If provinces have talented athletes, they can train here to be honed.)
“Tulad na nahasa si Alex Eala… Ganun din ang mensahe ni Presidente na yung mga potential natin, huwag natin sayangin, gamitin po natin,” Angara added.
(Just like Alex Eala was honed… The President’s message is not to waste our potentials, but to use them.)
Eala, now ranked No. 28 by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), became the first Filipina to reach the Round of 16 in a Grand Slam after defeating defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek.
The NAS, attached to DepEd, was created under RA No. 11470 or the “National Sports Academy Act,” co-authored by Gov. Villafuerte and signed into law in 2020.
President Marcos says that bigger government backing is needed to correct reliance on parents, coaches, and volunteers.
The Villafuerte siblings' HB No. 3236 seeks to create three funds: the “Get Started” Fund (P3,000 vouchers for young athletes), the “Get Going” Fund (P50,000 support for accredited clubs), and the “Get Playing” Fund (P500,000 aid for facility improvements).
£Beyond schools, recreation and sports clubs serve as platforms for promoting sports in communities and nurturing promising athletes," Rep. Luigi said.
Rep. Migz cited Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo’s struggles with makeshift equipment and financial hardship as proof of the need for stronger state support. Diaz-Naranjo, a weightlifter, is the country's first ever Olympic gold medal winner.
“If we can provide financial assistance and improve access to facilities, we can develop more world-class athletes," he said.
The Villafuertes are also behind HB No.3751, proposing a Philippine Esports Commission (PEC) independent of the PSC, to harness Filipino talent in gaming and tap into the global esports market.

Related Tags

sports Voucher Luigi Villafuerte Migz Villafuerte Alex Eala
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