Manila: Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has urged Filipinos to utilize the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) track and field facilities, which have been opened for public use following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos instructed local government units to make parks, plazas, track and field ovals, and similar open spaces available for Filipinos to exercise and improve their health. He also tasked the PSC with opening its facilities to the public. On Tuesday, the PSC announced the availability of its track and field facilities at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, the Philsports Complex in Pasig, and the Teachers’ Camp in Baguio City for public use daily, free of charge, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Romualdez emphasized the importance of these public sports spaces, stating that they come at the right time to protect health through regular physical activity, proper nutrition, and medical consultation when necessary. He highlighted that the PSC’s facilities offer safe venues for families to enjoy and communities to gather, promoting wellness through sports and fitness.
He encouraged Filipinos of all ages to visit the PSC’s facilities to exercise safely away from traffic and to cultivate healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Romualdez also praised the President’s comprehensive approach to promoting better health for Filipinos, which includes improving access to nutritious food, healthcare, and ensuring the availability of safe exercise spaces.
Romualdez pointed out the benefits of activities such as fun runs, dance classes, and local sports programs, referencing studies that associate exercise with improved cardiovascular and mental health, enhanced immune function, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. He noted that increased physical activity, whether aerobic, strength-based, or flexibility-focused, is linked to lower mortality rates and improved quality of life, and helps stimulate the production of endorphins, promoting happiness and well-being.
