MVP promises bigger support for sports in ’22

MANILA, Philippines — Tycoon and long-time sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan firmly believes Filipino athletes are bound to reach even greater heights next year after a bountiful harvest and promised bigger financial support to further this cause.

From the historic medal haul in the Tokyo Olympics led by golden girl Hidilyn Diaz to the stellar performance of Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, the TNT Tropang Giga’s return to the PBA throne and the excellent showing of Pinoy bets in gymnastics, football, volleyball and esports, 2021 was a resounding success for Philippine sports.

“It’s a forerunner of things to come for our Filipino athletes,” said Pangilinan, chairman of PLDT, the country’s largest fully integrated telco.

PLDT, Smart, and the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) have long been giving national sports associations a helping hand in whipping promising athletes into world-class form through training and competitions. The telco firm also tapped platforms such as TikTok to promote sports and mental resiliency, and partnered with grassroots organizations and local government units to provide Filipino youth a venue to showcase their talent in esports.

Pangilinan said this commitment to Team Philippines aces does not stop with the Olympic breakthrough and successes of 2021.

“We are committed to supporting Filipino athletes in 2022 and beyond,” he promised. “We’re fixing the programs of our teams and spending more to help our athletes have better chances of representing the Philippines in the global arena.”

This commitment, added PLDT and Smart President and CEO Alfredo Panlilio, also includes preparations for the co-hosting of the FIBA World Cup in 2023.

“I hope we do an excellent job in hosting a championship that will be remembered by the FIBA,” said Panlilio, who recently received a fresh term as president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.