Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron welcomed officials of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), led by Chairman John Patrick C. Gregorio, together with Commissioners Matthew Gaston and Walter Francis Torres, during their courtesy visit to the City Mayor’s Office on Monday, September 7.
Prior to their meeting with Mayor Bayron, the PSC officials also joined the flag-raising ceremony at the New Green City Hall Grounds. Their visit to Puerto Princesa forms part of their activities in connection with the Sports and Youth Summit 2026.
During their meeting, Mayor Bayron and the PSC officials discussed ways to further strengthen sports development and sports tourism in Puerto Princesa, including programs and facilities that would provide greater support and opportunities for local athletes.
Chairman Gregorio recognized Puerto Princesa’s efforts under Mayor Bayron’s leadership in using sports not only to develop athletes but also to promote the city as a sports tourism destination.
“The goal of the PSC is athletes’ welfare, creation of regional centers, and sports tourism. We have only been working on sports tourism for about 15 months, but here, Mayor Bayron already knows what needs to be done when it comes to sports tourism,” Chairman Gregorio said.
The discussions were complemented by the Sports and Youth Summit 2026, where City Sports Director Atty. Gregorio Austria presented the status of sports development in Puerto Princesa and highlighted the City Government’s continuing programs for athlete development and training.
These include grassroots initiatives such as the Summer Sports Clinic, Learn to Swim Program, Sports Caravan, free and continuous training for local athletes, Sports Talent Identification and Development, and Laro’t Saya sa Parke.
The city also continues to provide avenues for young athletes to compete at the local and national levels through events such as the Mayor’s Cup and Batang Pinoy, while strengthening sports tourism through the hosting of major sporting events such as the World Table Tennis (WTT) tournaments, IRONMAN 70.3, and the Puerto Princesa Dragon Boat Festival.
As part of their visit, the PSC officials also inspected the 20-hectare site in Barangay Iwahig being considered for the development of the PSC Regional Training Center. The proposed facility is expected to complement the city’s existing sports development programs and provide enhanced training opportunities for athletes in Puerto Princesa and across the region.
Mayor Bayron thanked the PSC for its continued support and partnership with the City Government, particularly in initiatives that promote the welfare and development of young athletes.
He reaffirmed the City Government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots sports programs, improving facilities, and creating more opportunities for Puerto Princesan athletes while continuing to position Puerto Princesa as a preferred destination for national and international sporting events.
Through stronger collaboration between the City Government and the PSC, Puerto Princesa continues to advance its sports development initiatives while providing young athletes with greater opportunities to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
