Seven of the country’s most accomplished athletes were formally inducted into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame during its 5th Enshrinement Ceremony at the newly renovated PSC House within the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
The event celebrated the achievements and lasting contributions of Ramon Fernandez, Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco, Isidro del Prado, Adeline Dumapong, Cecil Mamiit, Bea Lucero-Lhuillier, and the late Eduardo “Eddie” Pacheco. Coming from different sporting disciplines, the honorees were recognized for helping shape Philippine sports through their performances, dedication, and influence on future generations of athletes.
From basketball and boxing to athletics, tennis, para sports, football, and taekwondo, the seven inductees represent some of the most memorable accomplishments in the country’s sporting history. Their careers have become symbols of perseverance, excellence, and national pride.
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Honoring Excellence and Legacy
The ceremony also served as the official unveiling of the PSC House, which was transformed from an older structure into a modern center for sports governance and heritage preservation.
Addressing the inductees, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio highlighted the impact they have had on the nation.
“Your achievements have transformed the national imagination,’’ Gregorio told the honorees.
He added that the newly renovated facility symbolizes more than physical improvements.
“In the same spirit, we seek to do more than create beautiful spaces, we want to continue the work of transforming hearts and minds,’’ added Gregorio, who also chairs the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame.
The PSC chief emphasized that honoring sports heroes is not only about remembering past accomplishments but also about inspiring future generations.
“Sa gitna ng lahat ng gulo sa bansa at sa mundo, it is this spirit of transformation that allows us to keep hoping. Let us honor legacy not only by remembering it, but by living it. We are very proud of you, honorees. Salamat sa inyo. Salamat sa paglaban,’’ said Gregorio.
“Salamat sa hindi pagsuko. Salamat sa puso at alab. Just like the flag that you have worn so proudly, kayo ang maningning na mga bituin at araw ng bayang Pilipinas kailan pa ma’y di magdidilim. Mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino,’’ added Gregorio.
Building Opportunities Beyond Metro Manila
Gregorio also discussed the PSC’s efforts to expand opportunities for athletes across the country through the establishment of Regional Training Centers.
“We are changing the narrative. For too long, our system told young athletes from the provinces: kung gusto mong sumikat, lumuwas ka ng Maynila. Those days are over. We are doing this because we know the future is at the grassroots,” said Gregorio.
Several officials from national sports associations attended the ceremony, along with members of the Selection Committee and the Review and Evaluation Committee, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the Hall of Fame process.
The program concluded with a standing ovation for the seven inductees, whose accomplishments continue to inspire Filipino athletes. The next class of honorees will be inducted in May 2028.
