Team PH commended in House Youth and Sports Dev’t hearing after 2026 Asiad campaign

MANILA — The House Committee on Youth and Sports Development’s hearing on Tuesday began with praises from panel chairperson Representative Faustino Michael Dy III for athletes who represented the country in the 20th Asian Games in Japan.

Dy highlighted gymnast Carlos Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and taekwondo jin Jeus Yape’s gold medals, as well as the Philippines’ overall total of 29.

“At the outset, I would like to commend our national athletes for their outstanding representation of the Philippines in the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Our athletes once again demonstrated the talent, discipline, perseverance, and competitive spirit of Filipino sportsmen and women,” Dy said. 

“To all our Filipino athletes, coaches, trainers, and support personnel who represented the country in Aichi-Nagoya maraming salamat for carrying the Philippine flag with honor. Congratulations and mabuhay, Team Philippines,” Dy added.

The victories are also a reminder to strengthen the environment in which athletes can develop their talents, according to Dy. 

“We consider these achievements not only a source of national pride but also a reminder of our responsibility to strengthen the environment in which our athletes and young people can develop their talents and pursue excellence in sports,” Dy said.

Dy clarified resolutions on the 20th Asian Games were not included in their agenda on Tuesday as these must be formally referred to their committee first.

But resolutions commending other athletes were adopted during the committee meeting.

These include five House resolutions recognizing Obiena for international triumphs and “continued excellence” in competitions.

The panel also adopted House Resolution 1334 honoring Jordan Clarkson of the New York Knicks for making history as the first Filipino-American player with an NBA championship. 

But for Gabriela party-list Representative Sarah Elago, commendations should also translate into concrete action.

“Marami doon sa mga resolusyon na ating naaapruba, very welcome naman ang commendation para sa ating mga atleta, ngunit dapat ang commendation– nata-translate into concrete action lalong lalo na ‘yung matagal na nilang panawagan para sa komprehensibo na suporta para sa mga atleta mula sa kanilang training, practice, facilities, health, programs na kinakailangan para talagang mapalakas ‘yung suporta sa ating mga athletes,” Elago said.

The four golds won by Team Philippines in Aichi-Nagoya matched their feat in the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta-Palembang and 2022 in Hangzhou, but fell short of sports officials’ projections of eight gold medals.