SENATOR JV Ejercito is pushing for a measure that seeks to assist young athletes by providing programs and incentives to support their development.

Under Senate Bill No. 2167, or the proposed Young Athletes Assistance Act, Ejercito emphasized that sports play a vital role in nation-building.

He said that beyond promoting physical fitness, sports help shape young Filipinos into disciplined, confident, and resilient individuals equipped with essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and respect.

However, the senator noted that many aspiring athletes are forced to abandon their dreams due to the high costs of training, participation fees, equipment, transportation, and other related expenses.

Ejercito also pointed out that the lack of adequate sports facilities and accessible community-based sports programs continues to hinder the development of young athletes across the country.

The proposed measure seeks to address these barriers by establishing programs that will provide financial assistance to young athletes through sports participation vouchers, as well as support for the development and improvement of local sports and recreational facilities.

Through these initiatives, Ejercito said the State can help ensure that deserving young Filipinos are given equal opportunities to participate in sports and pursue athletic excellence regardless of their socioeconomic status.

By investing in grassroots sports development, the senator said the measure aims not only to nurture future champions but also to promote healthier communities, strengthen youth engagement, and foster a culture of sportsmanship and active living among Filipinos.