Limampung taon na at patuloy na umuunlad ang Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA).
Si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. mismo ang pumuri sa “significant milestone” para sa isport na naghatid ng karangalan at tagumpay sa bansa sa pandaigdigang entablado.
Inihatid ni Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chair Patrick Gregorio ang mensahe sa ngalan ng Pangulo sa pagdiriwang ng PTA anniversary sa Okada Manila sa Parañaque City noong Sabado.
“It is a time to look back with gratitude at what has been accomplished, and to look ahead with renewed determination to what more can still be achieved,” ayon sa Pangulo.
“Since its founding in 1976, the PTA has remained steadfast in its mission of developing taekwondo in the Philippines. More than a sport, taekwondo has become a means of cultivating discipline, pursuing excellence and building character among generations of Filipinos.”
Tiniyak ng PTA na nasa mataas na antas ang grassroots development, kabilang ang pagtukoy sa mga talento at sa pagpapaunlad sa mga elite athlete para sa malalaking pandaigdigang kompetisyon.
“Every year, over a hundred competitions are conducted across the country, alongside grassroots initiatives, training programs, and other activities that bring taekwondo closer to our communities,” ayon kay Pangulong Marcos.
“Through these efforts, the sport has reached even our farthest areas and given thousands of Filipino children the opportunity to discover their potential, push their limits, and learn the value of hard work.”
Ang PTA, sa ilalim ng matatag na pamumuno ng pangulo nitong si Rafael Alunan III at ng pangunahing puwersang nagtutulak dito na si Grandmaster Hong Sung-Chon, ay patuloy na nagpapanatili ng matibay na ugnayan sa international community, kabilang ang World Taekwondo, Asian Taekwondo Union at Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters).
“Because of these sustained efforts, Filipino athletes of all ages and levels now have greater opportunities to compete,” sabi ng Pangulo.
Sa mahigit isang milyong practitioner sa buong bansa, naglaan din ang PTA ng suporta para sa network nito ng mga coach, trainer, referee, technical official at administrators.
“Through the Philippine Sports Commission, the government will support the expansion of taekwondo programs, the conduct of competitions, and the continuing development of our athletes and coaches,” dagdag ng Pangulo.
Naglatag na ng pundasyon para sa isang bagong National Taekwondo Center sa loob ng malawak na Rizal Memorial Sports Complex sa Maynila.
“With the rise of this new training center, we hope to see more world-class jins in the country who will become the next generation international champions,” sabi ng Pangulo.
Ang groundbreaking ceremony para sa bagong taekwondo center, na papalit sa dating PSC Bowling Center, ay isinagawa noong Marso.
Inaasahang matatapos sa Disyembre o unang bahagi ng 2027 ang center na maaaring tumanggap ng 100 atleta at magkakaroon ng competition at training grounds.
“With this new taekwondo center, we can host more international tournaments and give exposure to our national athletes. The shift will surely open up great opportunities for our sports and for our athletes,” ani Gregorio.
“After 20 years, our dream to have a new training center will soon be a reality. Thank you to the Philippine Sports Commission for spearheading the birth of the National Taekwondo Center, which aligns with our vision for Philippine taekwondo,” ani Alunan.