MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for expanded and comprehensive sports initiatives nationwide to foster new opportunities for young Filipino athletes pursuing various athletic disciplines.
Speaking on Tuesday, October 13, during a courtesy call with medal-winning fencers and officials from the Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) at Malacañang, the Chief Executive emphasized that structured athletic programs are vital for youth development.
“We need to have a more extensive program for people to participate in sports like fencing, any sport that they might be interested in,” Marcos stated.
The President highlighted that athletic training contributes significantly to physical, social, and character building, noting its role in fostering essential life skills.
“For me, sport has become such an important part of the development of all our kids,” he noted, adding that arenas of play teach crucial values like camaraderie and mental toughness.
“There is no better place for you to learn discipline. There is no better place for you to learn camaraderie. There is no better place than to learn resilience.”
Marcos assured the sports community that the government remains fully committed to backing wider participation in sports, including nontraditional disciplines.
He praised the impressive international feats of local fencers, remarking on how the sport has rapidly gained momentum in the country.
“Again, like I said, fencing is not traditionally a Philippine sport,” the President observed.
The gathering honored the remarkable performance of the Philippine delegation at the 2026 Southeast Asian Fencing Federation Minime, Cadet and Junior Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where national athletes hauled 46 medals consisting of eight gold, 12 silver, and 26 bronze medals.
During the event, the PFA presented Marcos with a fencing saber and headgear, prompting the President to demonstrate basic saber handling to the young competitors.