PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio with Negros Oriental Governor Chaco Sagarbarria. Handout/PSC
MANILA — Dumaguete City is looking to position itself as the pickleball capital of the country, with more than 300 courts now spread across the city.
The Philippine Sports Commission has taken notice of the city's enthusiasm for the sport and has pledged its commitment and backing.
"What we see here in Dumaguete could be a model of how local governments can embrace new sports while strengthening traditional ones. Pickleball here is not just recreation. It is community, health, and competition rolled into one," PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said.
"We have an aging population here in Dumaguete as well as in the province, so pickleball is a perfect sport for us," said Dumaguete City Mayor Chiquiting Sagarbarria.
"Pickleball is a sport not only for friends but also for the family, where members can play, be competitive, and stay healthy together. It has become a pastime here in our province where players come from all ages," added Negros Oriental Governor Chaco Sagarbarria.
The goal for the PSC is to ensure that Dumaguete's rise in pickleball is matched by the development of world-class facilities for football, track and field, archery, and other disciplines.
Gregorio explained this vision during the Nationwide Conduct of Handog ng Pangulo 2026 on Monday, an event marking the 69th birthday of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
"The PSC is committed to working with Dumaguete and Negros Oriental to ensure that facilities for football, track and field, and archery are developed to world-class standards. This is how we build pathways from grassroots to gold, and from gold to greatness," said Gregorio.
Gregorio delivered the President's birthday message before thousands gathered at the Dumaguete City Hall Forecourt. The President’s address highlighted a wide range of initiatives from health care, jobs, and livelihood programs to support for farmers, fisherfolk, and small businesses, alongside expanded opportunities for workers and students.