SENATOR JV Ejercito is pushing for stronger government support for young Filipino athletes through programs and incentives designed to make sports development more accessible, particularly to those from low-income families and underserved communities.

Ejercito filed Senate Bill No. 2167, or the proposed Assisting Young Athletes by Providing Programs and Incentives for Their Development Act, which seeks to address barriers that prevent promising young athletes from developing their skills and competing at higher levels.

In the bill’s explanatory note, Ejercito said sports play an important role in nation-building by promoting physical fitness while helping young Filipinos develop discipline, confidence, resilience, teamwork, leadership, perseverance and respect.

However, many young athletes have limited access to sports opportunities, particularly those from low-income households and underserved communities.

The bill noted that the high costs of training, participation fees, equipment, transportation and other expenses force some aspiring athletes to abandon their dreams.

The lack of adequate sports facilities and accessible community-based programs also hampers the development of young athletes across the country.

Under the proposed measure, the government would establish programs providing financial assistance to young athletes, including sports participation vouchers.

It would also support the development and improvement of local sports and recreation facilities to provide young athletes with more accessible venues for training and competition.

Ejercito said young athletes represent the future of Philippine sports, but inadequate training facilities during their formative years continue to prevent many promising athletes from reaching their full potential and achieving world-class competitiveness.

The proposed measure aims to strengthen grassroots sports development and improve sports infrastructure as part of efforts to advance the country’s overall sports development agenda.

By providing greater opportunities regardless of socioeconomic status, the bill seeks to help develop future Filipino champions while promoting healthier communities, stronger youth engagement and a culture of sportsmanship and active living.