THE Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) celebrated its 50th anniversary recently, with government officials recognizing the organization’s contribution to the development of the sport and Filipino athletes.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. described the PTA’s golden anniversary as a significant milestone, highlighting the association’s five decades of work in promoting taekwondo and producing athletes who have represented the Philippines in international competitions.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio delivered the President’s message during the PTA’s Golden Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila.
“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,” Marcos said in his message.
The President also credited the sport with helping young Filipinos develop values such as courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and an indomitable spirit.
Under PTA president Rafael Alunan III and Grandmaster Hong Sung-Chong, the association has expanded its grassroots programs, talent identification efforts and athlete development initiatives.
More than 100 taekwondo competitions are held annually across the country, complemented by training programs and grassroots activities aimed at bringing the sport to more communities.
“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,” Marcos said.
The PTA has also maintained ties with international governing bodies and organizations, including World Taekwondo, the Asian Taekwondo Union and Kukkiwon.
The association now has more than one million practitioners nationwide, supported by a broad network of coaches, trainers, referees, technical officials and administrators.
“These sustained efforts have helped Filipino athletes of all ages and levels gain greater opportunities to compete,” Marcos said.
The government is also backing the sport’s continued expansion, particularly through the construction of a new National Taekwondo Center at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
The facility is being built on the site of the former Philippine Sports Commission Bowling Center. Groundbreaking was held in March, with completion targeted for December or early next year.
The center will accommodate up to 100 taekwondo athletes and feature training and competition areas, as well as spectator stands capable of hosting international events.
“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,” Marcos said.
Gregorio said the facility would also allow the Philippines to host more international competitions while giving national athletes additional opportunities to compete at home.
“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,” Gregorio said.
“We enable, we excite, and we make it happen. Finally,” he added.
For Alunan, the project represents the fulfillment of a long-standing goal of the association.
“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,” Alunan said.
Gregorio, who became PSC chairman in July 2025, said the agency would continue working with the PTA and other national sports associations to support Filipino athletes and strengthen their programs.
As the PTA begins its next 50 years, the organization aims to further widen participation in taekwondo while developing more athletes and coaches capable of competing at the highest international level.
“Fifty years of the PTA is, therefore, a testament to what can be achieved when an organization remains faithful to its purpose and committed to the Filipino people,” Marcos said.
“May we see more young Filipinos discover their strength through the sport, more athletes represent our country with pride, and more communities benefit from the values that Taekwondo instills.” (Adrian Co)
