Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo (PNA file photo by Yancy Lim)
The Philippines is gearing up to lift its next generation of champions as the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, launches the country’s largest school-based weightlifting academy.
The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push to strengthen school sports, as highlighted in his fourth State of the Nation Address. Currently, over 300 schools nationwide offer specialized sports curricula, giving student-athletes more time to train and develop their physical prowess.
PSC Chairperson Patrick Gregorio and DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stressed that weightlifting will serve as the foundation of this nationwide program. “The core requirement for any sport is weightlifting. But you can’t just donate equipment without teaching student-athletes how to use it properly and avoid injuries. Someone has to teach them the fundamentals,” Gregorio said.
Hidilyn Diaz, who established her own academy in Jala-Jala, Rizal after winning the country’s first Olympic gold in 2021, will guide the development of young athletes across participating schools. “You need a champion, an icon, to drive this plan. Hidilyn Diaz and her academy will help replicate this program in each of the 300 schools,” Gregorio added.
Angara praised Diaz’s efforts in nurturing the next generation of athletes, noting that the program brings President Marcos’ vision for school-based sports to life.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has pledged full support, allocating PHP180 million to fund the project. DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman emphasized that government backing is crucial to meet the needs of aspiring athletes.
Once finalized, the PSC, DepEd, and Diaz will sign an agreement, distributing weightlifting equipment to schools and seeking additional support from private sponsors and sports foundations. Before implementation, a summit for weightlifting coaches will be held to ensure proper training and safety.
The outcome: a nationwide PSC-DepEd-Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy designed to empower Filipino student-athletes and forge future champions.