Baguio eyes inclusive sustainable sports development
A shared vision to strengthen the Summer Capital’s sports landscape took center stage at the recent Kapihan sa City Hall – Usapang Sports, July 18, where city officials led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and stakeholders tackled issues on sports development, grassroots engagement, and athlete support.
The dialogue, led by the City Sports Division and attended by representatives from local associations, schools and other sectors, addressed key issues such as facility improvements, policy implementation, athlete incentives and organizational support.
A major focus was the ongoing rehabilitation of the Baguio Athletic Complex with planned upgrades of the oval, athlete quarters, and swimming facilities to meet international standards.
City Sports Division officer-in-charge Honorio Yamoyam shared updates on the city’s sports development initiatives and stressed the importance of cleanliness and discipline in maintaining city-managed sports facilities.
“The concept is we make the youth na maging athletic. Sports should be for all… Let’s bring sports to different barangays. We’re on the right track,” he said, adding that to improve accessibility, the city is also working to bring sports closer to the grassroots level.
In support of this goal, barangays are now required to submit Local Sports Development Plans in collaboration with the Sports Office, in alignment with the Philippine Sports Commission’s grassroots development agenda. Incentives for athletes also formed part of the discussion, particularly the residency requirements under the city’s Sports Code, which gives priority to those who live, study, or train in Baguio.
For his part, the Mayor disclosed that several policies are already being implemented.
“It’s about time that we have to be very strict ‘yan sa Athletic Complex. So please bear with us, we’re just doing the right thing for the athletic complex,” Magalong said.
To streamline the process, city sports officer Paul Rillorta said his office is accepting school-issued certificates or transcripts in place of barangay clearances and that requirements such as valid IDs and official competition results will also be simplified for faster processing.
City officials also reiterated their commitment to fairness and integrity as chances will be given to those who have potential coming from Baguio.
The city sports office also clarified the distinction between resident athletes and attached athletes who train in Baguio but reside outside the city with each covered by separate incentive programs under the revised Sports Code.
Logistical challenges, particularly in transporting athletic equipment, were raised by the cycling community, which highlighted the need for dedicated transportation for bikes and gear.
A coaster is being proposed to assist athletes, coaches, and their equipment during events and training.
With strong collaboration between the city government and the sports community, Baguio is taking measured steps toward a more inclusive, athlete-centered, and sustainable sports system that is paving the way for long-term growth from the grassroots up.- Roline Cabantoc – PIO Baguio intern / Gaby Keith
