Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)-regulated gaming platform Buenas PH has deployed an investment of approximately PHP 3.9 million in grassroots sports funding to support emerging Filipino athletes, as part of the company’s ongoing corporate social responsibility program.
Buenas-backed Pyros Dragon Boat Team secures first runner-up finishes in Series 2 of the Club Crew Dragon Boat Challenge, competing in both the Open Men’s and Masters Mixed 10-Seater 250-meter categories.
The initiative aims to address the enduring funding deficits in local sports development. While the Philippine government increased its national sports budget for 2026, structural gaps remain in sustainably supporting basic training, travel logistics, meal allowances, and foundational equipment for grassroots talent.
To help bridge this gap, Buenas PH funneled its H1 investment directly into operational essentials, including competition uniforms, safety gear, tournament logistics, and event visibility assets, across various disciplines such as golf, dragon boat racing, mixed martial arts (MMA), and boxing.
“Many grassroots athletes have the talent and determination to compete, but they often lack the resources that make even mere participation possible. Our goal is to help remove some of those barriers. By supporting their practical needs, we allow them to focus on performing at their best, all while proudly representing the Philippines,” said Kim Curayag, Head of Marketing at Buenas PH.
Among the key beneficiaries of this initiative is the Pyros Dragon Boat Team. The community-based paddling crew secured four podium finishes at the Club Crew Dragon Boat Challenge, climbing from a second runner-up finish in Series 1 to consecutive first runner-up finishes in Series 2 across both the Open Men’s and Masters Mixed 10-Seater 250-meter categories.
In combat sports, the funding backed flyweight prospect Eros Baluyot during his recent international campaign at the Road to UFC Season 5 quarterfinals at the Galaxy Arena in Macau. The sponsorship ensured the former national wrestling team member secured the requisite training camp and logistical infrastructure needed to compete on a global stage.
Beyond combat and aquatic disciplines, the platform sustained regional golf ecosystems by supporting the Belle Cup, Liberica Golf, the Br. Armin Luistro Cup, and the 2026 Summit Point Golf Invitational. Buenas PH also facilitated wider public engagement by backing Smashpay Fight Night and grassroots sports activations at Philippine Blockchain Week.
Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, Buenas PH is set to maintain this momentum by backing the upcoming boxing tournament, Night of Champions XVII, scheduled for late July, as part of its ongoing commitment to developing local athletic talent from the ground up.
Through these continuous community investments, the platform remains dedicated to its core mission of turning raw local talent into supported champions on both the domestic and global stages — a commitment to nation-building that operates independently of, and in parallel to, its regulated gaming operations.
