[OPINION] Carlos Yulo’s historic Olympic wins call us to support other sports, too

Despite the glory our players continue to bring, funding for the sports sector has only dwindled over time in the face of more pressing national priorities. Figures from 2011 reveal how Thailand and Singapore allocated P14.37 billion and P7.2 billion for their sports programs, respectively – a stark contrast to our P962 million. As recently as last year, the Philippine Sports Commission’s budget was slashed from P761.5 million in 2022 to a measly P218.1 million. One may recall disheartening displays of national athletes begging the private sector for sources of funding, or flying abroad due to the lack of opportunities present here. 

While strides had been made with the passage of Republic Act 10699, which entitles our champions to substantial discounts and livelihood programs from government agencies, some of our athletes have yet to receive what is due them. 

Even Caloy wasn’t exempted from this dismal treatment in his early days: Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion said that she had “almost no help” in getting Yulo to the Olympics or similar international tournaments, and would often appeal for sponsors to send him to school in Japan, where he lived and trained for years. 

Supporting Philippine gymnastics

This goes for most, if not all, sports that aren’t men’s basketball. Our crowd favorite receives extensive media coverage and generous funding from private companies, despite the fact that our players have a lot more heart than they do height. Filipinos’ stature, however, places us at an advantage in sports like gymnastics–but this opportunity goes ignored, especially among men. 

It seems that societal biases have positioned the sport as exclusive to women or members of the elite, leaving it overshadowed by more popular contact sports. As Carrion once said in an interview, “No one wanted to support gymnastics financially, as they thought we would not win medals.” 

The recent turn of events has fortunately caused a reversal in fortune: private corporations and public officials have pledged millions worth of rewards for Caloy’s historic wins. In fact, the House of Representatives swiftly revived the Hidilyn Diaz law to ensure his rewards would be exempted from taxes. But expressing our pride for the feats Yulo has achieved must extend to emerging talents, as well–starting, of course, with finding them.

“The real coaches and athletes are in the provinces, [...] waiting to be recognized, realized, and nurtured,” Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Edward Hayco once said in a YouTube video. The majority of the 2,000 members of the Philippine national team and their coaches not only live in the provinces, but have honed their abilities there–stressing the need for grassroots sports programs in localities, rather than concentrating them all in the capital.

This should, of course, be accompanied by consistent, sufficient allowances for training, equipment, and even nourishment and relaxation. In preparation for the ongoing Olympics, Malacañang pledged around P6,400 for every athlete training abroad in Metz, which unsurprisingly led to an “incomparable mood” and “very high spirits” at the camp. 

As for the amateurs who are only getting to know the sports that will change their lives, LGUs can start setting up gyms or vaults and beams in barangay halls alongside the existing basketball courts. Caloy himself got his start in his local playground, after all!

If all these investments are made, who knows? Maybe 12 years into the future, it won’t be rare to see young boys tucking and tumbling away, practicing in spacious centers under the watchful eye of qualified trainers–all in the hopes of becoming like their idol Carlos Yulo.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of PhilSTAR L!fe, its parent company and affiliates, or its staff.