09/03/2026
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio lauded the creation of the SEA Plus YG, praising the latest brainchild of Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham 'Bambol' Tolentino for its potential to elevate grassroots sports development in the country.
Speaking at the official launch of the region's newest multi-sport event for athletes aged 16 and under, Gregorio highlighted how the SEA Plus YG could raise the competitive level of Filipino athletes in international meets.
"It is a great idea—an excellent idea, as a matter of fact—because this is what we need in terms of youth development and grassroots sports," Gregorio told reporters at the PSC Media Room.
“Thailand Sea Games pa lang matagal na itong ibinubulong ni Cong. Bambol sa akin. 100 percent sa side ng PSC, yung pag-eexpand ng national pool for the national youth teams will be very much supported. Atleast we have a new tournament to look up to,” he added.
“Shoot na shoot ito sa program natin, sports tourism. Akala ko nga yung plus ni Cong Bambol akala ko mga dalawa o tatlong bansa lang, pero look. 12 ang invited Asian teams plus 11 ASEAN countries, ang dami nun,” he added.
“Very exciting ito for us. Tumitibay na rin kasi yung program natin to support the national youth pool and very timely itong program ni Cong. Bambol,” added Gregorio.
He emphasized the tournament's value in providing a new competitive platform for Filipino and Southeast Asian youth. Joining the 11 ASEAN nations are 12 invited countries: Bahrain, Bhutan, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Turkmenistan.
Meanwhile, Tolentino revealed that some regional sports officials have pushed for the inclusion of Oceania teams like Australia and New Zealand. However, the POC chief maintained that he wants to prioritize and showcase Southeast Asian nations.
“Let’s give the event more time to benefit the ASEAN athletes then slowly we hope this will be big. And I am optimistic this will last like SEA Games, Asian Games, and hopefully like the Olympics. Maganda ito for our young athletes and our neighbors’ athletes as well,” said Tolentino in the 1 hour media briefing and launch at the PSC compound in Manila.
The inaugural SEA Plus YG program will feature a diverse lineup, comprising two mandatory sports, 12 Olympic sports, five Asian non-Olympic sports, and one traditional sport.
