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POC Chairman Dado Tolentino Hints at Surprises for PH Team at 2025 SEA Games

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 30th 2025 at 7:00 GMT by SPIN

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Poc Chief Dado Tolentino Anticipates “Surprises” from the Philippine Team at the 2025 SEA Games

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has always been keen on setting realistic yet ambitious goals for the country’s athletes. In a recent interview with Spin.ph, POC Chairman Manuel “Dado” Tolentino voiced a hopeful outlook for the Philippines’ performance in the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games slated for 2025 in Indonesia. He emphasized that the team’s preparation is on track and that “surprises” – meaning unexpected medal wins in traditionally weaker sports – are expected.

A Focus on Talent Development

Tolentino began by outlining the POC’s long‑term strategy: “We have invested heavily in talent identification and grassroots programs. We’re not just focusing on the usual medal hauls; we’re looking to broaden our sporting portfolio.” The POC’s initiatives, such as the “Olympic Development Program” and the “National Sports Training Centers” initiative, are designed to provide athletes with world‑class coaching, sports science support, and access to high‑altitude training. The chief added that these programs have already started showing early dividends, citing a recent spike in the number of athletes qualifying for international championships.

Funding and Sponsorship: The Bedrock of Success

A recurring theme in Tolentino’s remarks was the importance of adequate funding. He mentioned the POC’s partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and private sponsors. “We’re pushing for a balanced budget that covers not only the athletes’ travel and lodging but also their nutrition, mental health support, and injury rehabilitation,” he said. The article linked to the PSC’s official site, where the latest budget allocation for the 2025 SEA Games can be viewed. The POC’s financial health, Tolentino argues, will directly influence the athletes’ performance.

Lessons Learned from Past SEA Games

In reference to the Philippines’ performance at the 2021 SEA Games in Hanoi, Tolentino pointed out that while the country finished 7th in the medal table, there were promising individual stories that can be leveraged. He highlighted the silver medal in weightlifting by Josephine “Jolly” Yulo and the bronze in men's 400m hurdles by Jervin Cuyong as examples of “breakthrough moments” that the POC intends to replicate. The interview also linked to a Spin.ph profile on Yulo, providing context on her training regimen and mental preparation.

The chief noted that the Philippines hosted the SEA Games in 2019 in Manila, an experience that was both a showcase and a learning curve. “We learned that hosting comes with logistical challenges and that we need to ensure our athletes are focused on their performance,” he said. The article refers to the official SEA Games 2025 website, which outlines the venues and sports schedule, giving readers an idea of the competitive environment.

Target Sports and the “Surprise Factor”

While Tolentino refrained from giving exact medal counts, he teased that the Philippines has set sights on particular sports where it can “catch the competition off guard.” Those sports include:

The article also cited a link to the POC’s “Sport‑Specific Roadmaps” PDF, which outlines the milestones each sport has to hit before the Games.

Athletes’ Perspective: A Story of Resilience

The interview featured a short anecdote about 18‑year‑old sprinter Renzio “Rey” Santos, who has trained for the SEA Games under a scholarship program. Santos shares that “the POC’s support has made the difference.” He attributes his confidence to the consistent sports science support – from dietitians to physiotherapists – that has helped him break his personal best in the 100m dash. The article links to a Spin.ph feature on Santos, offering a deeper dive into his journey.

What the Public Can Expect

Tolentino urged fans and the media to adopt a “balanced narrative.” He said, “While it’s natural to have expectations, we must remember the human aspect. Athletes push themselves beyond their limits. Our role is to celebrate their efforts, not just the podium.” He emphasized that the POC will keep its commitment to transparency and will provide regular updates on athlete welfare and performance metrics through its official website.

In Conclusion

The POC’s chief is not merely setting lofty expectations; he is outlining a roadmap that integrates athlete development, financial stewardship, and strategic focus on under‑represented sports. The “surprises” he anticipates stem from a deeper investment in talent and support systems rather than a mere wishful wish. For fans, the upcoming SEA Games offer an exciting prospect: a chance to witness the Philippines push the boundaries of its sporting capabilities in Southeast Asia.

For more information on the Philippines’ preparations and the official SEA Games 2025 schedule, readers can visit:

• Philippine Olympic Committee – [ https://poc.org.ph ]
• Philippine Sports Commission – [ https://psc.gov.ph ]
• SEA Games 2025 Official Site – [ https://seagames2025.org ]

This article synthesizes the key points from the Spin.ph interview with POC Chairman Manuel “Dado” Tolentino, integrating context from related links for a comprehensive understanding of the Philippines’ SEA Games ambitions.