Top Junior Swimmers Clash in National Open, Spotlight on Grassroots Development

CAPAS, TARLAC —The country’s top junior swimmers take center stage this weekend as they converge for the National Open Championships at the world-class New Clark Aquatics Center, in what is shaping up to be a moment for grassroots sports development in Philippine swimming.

Featuring medalists from various regional championships along with foreign-based Filipino tankers, the competition serves as the official selection process for the Philippine Junior Team. Those who meet the bronze medal SEA Age qualifying standards last year will earn slots in several international tournaments this year, including the prestigious Southeast Asian Age-Group Championships in Singapore.

Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) Secretary General and swimming icon Eric Buhain emphasized the importance of competitions like this in building the country’s talent pipeline.

“Grassroots development remains the cornerstone of our program,” said the two-time Olympian and Philippine Sports Hall-of-Fame. “Events like the National Open give our young swimmers the opportunity to compete at a high level and prepare them for the demands of international competition. This is where we identify and develop future national athletes.”

Leading the field in the event sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Speedo and MVP Sports Foundation is 16-year-old standout Kyla Bulaga, the youngest member of the Philippine team in last year’s Southeast Asian Games. She is expected to face stiff competition from National Academy of Sports’ most outstanding athlete Rhianna Coleman and Southern Visayas rising star Kacie Gabrielle Tionko, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown among the country’s brightest young talents.

For PAI President Miko Vargas, the championships represent more than just a selection meet—they are part of a broader effort to strengthen the foundation of Philippine swimming.

“We are focused on building a sustainable system that starts at the grassroots level,” Vargas said. “By bringing together the best young swimmers from across the country, we are not only raising the level of competition but also ensuring that opportunities are accessible to everyone with talent and dedication.”

Meanwhile, PAI Executive Director Anthony Reyes announced a strategic shift in the federation’s calendar, revealing that all regional open swimming competitions have been cancelled. In their place, activities will transition directly to the PAI Open Water Swimming Championship Tryouts set on June 6-7 at New Coast Boracay in Aklan.

“This decision was made in consideration of the current economic situation to better support our swimmers and their families,” Reyes explained, noting that the move aims to streamline competitions while reducing financial strain on participants.

Olympians Eric Buhain and Akiko Thomson (far right) pose with Manish Mahtani (VP for Operations, Sprint International, Inc.) and PAI Executive Director Anthony Reyes after signing the partnership.