MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, is set to establish the largest weightlifting academy in the country.
Celebrating her victory in the women’s 55kg weightlifting category at the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi on May 20, 2022, Hidilyn Diaz will be a key figure in this initiative.
The academy aims to enhance school-based sports, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive from his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
PSC Chairperson Patrick Gregorio and DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara discussed the program, noting that around 300 schools nationwide currently offer specialized sports curriculums, allowing more time for student-athletes to train and develop.
Both officials stressed the importance of weight training and weightlifting as essential components of a sports-focused education system.
Diaz, who previously opened an academy in Jala-Jala, Rizal following her historic Olympic gold win in 2021, will play a vital role in nurturing new sporting talent.
Gregorio highlighted the necessity of teaching athletes the proper use of equipment to prevent injuries and emphasized the need for a champion like Diaz to lead the initiative across the 300 schools.
Angara acknowledged Diaz’s ongoing efforts in developing future athletes and expressed commitment to realizing President Marcos’ vision.
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman pledged her full support, noting the government’s responsibility to fund the project.
The DBM will earmark P180 million to support the initiative.
Once the list of participating schools is finalized, the PSC, DepEd, and Diaz will formalize their partnership with an agreement.
The PSC will provide weightlifting equipment to each school and will seek additional sponsorship from private entities and sports organizations.
Gregorio stated that a summit for weightlifting coaches will be organized prior to the distribution of equipment, and the necessary funds will be allocated to implement this national initiative.