Olympic boxing medalists Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Marcial, alongside world kickboxing champion Islay Erika Bomogao, expressed optimism about their high-altitude training following the unveiling of the Philippine Sports Commission’s newly renovated track oval at Teacher’s Camp.
For combat sports, where explosive power, cardiovascular endurance and precise footwork form the bedrock of success, the presence of a modernized running surface at 5,000 feet above sea level provides a distinct competitive advantage.
Petecio emphasized how crucial a proper running surface is for preventing injuries during grueling roadwork sessions.
“Crucial point for us athletes is the track itself, especially for standard training,” Petecio said, gesturing to the rubberized surface. “The old track was painful on the knees and feet when running. Now, it’s a huge help for our conditioning, roadwork and sprints because it reduces the impact on our joints.”
The renovation addresses long-standing infrastructure needs at Teacher’s Camp, which serves as a hub for national athletes seeking the benefits of high-altitude training with the thin mountain air forcing an athlete’s body to produce more red blood cells, drastically improving oxygen delivery and stamina when returning to compete at sea level.
Bomogao, the first regular female world kickboxing champion from the Philippines, the world-class oval directly elevates the quality of her camp and highlighted the psychological and physical boost the upgrade brings.
“We are very blessed to have a facility like this,” Bomogao said. “Imagine what we can achieve ngayon na mas maganda na ang ating facilities, expect more from us, we will make good of this blessing.”
Marcial, a Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, recalled the historic significance of the campsite while praising the long-awaited upgrade.
“After how many years, the oval is finally fixed,” Marcial said in Filipino. “There are so many memories here since this is where most Olympic medalists started, like Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and myself.”
Marcial added that with the improved facility at the PSC training center, fans can expect more athletes to excel and hopefully bring home medals for the country.
With major international tournaments on the horizon, the PSC’s investment in the Teacher’s Camp oval ensures that national fighters can train harder, recover faster and maximize the physiological benefits of Baguio’s altitude on a surface matching international standards.
“This is exactly what we need,” Petecio said. “It gives us the perfect foundation to build our strength and stamina as we represent the country.”
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said during the opening that the upgraded sports facility will serve both national athletes and the general public adding he has been aware of the complaints and needs surrounding the facility for 20 years.
“20 years ko na alam yung hinaing at 20 years ko na din alam yung pangangailangan, sayang naman yung pagkakataon at may pundo naman inilaan ang gobyerno. bakit di natin paspasan,” Gregorio told Baguio scribes. Roderick Osis
