Grassroots sports development in public schools nationwide will get a boost with the donation of 2,000 balls from various sports organizations, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) announced Sunday.

The donations include 1,000 volleyballs from the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, 500 basketballs from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), and 500 footballs from the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).

The initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a strengthened national sports development program, which he highlighted in his fourth State of the Nation Address last July.

“We will form a new national program for sports development, and we will begin this in schools,” the President said.

In partnership with the Department of Education, the PSC will reintroduce sports clubs, inter-school competitions, and intramurals in public schools to give students early access to athletic opportunities and nurture homegrown talent.

President Marcos, joined by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and their son Vinny, attended the opening of the FIVB Men’s World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, where he performed the ceremonial serve before the Alas Pilipinas-Tunisia match.

PSC Chair Patrick Gregorio expressed optimism about the country’s sports future.
“We are standing at the threshold of a great new era and the dawn of a truly exciting legacy. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” he said.