If you&rsquo;ve ever wished for a place to jog without worrying about entrance fees or limited hours, there&rsquo;s good news: the Philippine Sports Commission&rsquo;s (PSC) track ovals are now open to the public for free. This move, announced by President Ferdinand &ldquo;Bongbong&rdquo; Marcos Jr. during his 2025 State of the Nation Address, aims to give Filipinos more opportunities to stay active. Whether you&rsquo;re into morning runs, afternoon walks, or even just stretching your legs, these spaces are now yours to enjoy.
Three PSC-managed facilities are part of this program: the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City, the Simeon Toribio Track Stadium in Manila, and the Baguio Track Oval in Baguio City. Each oval has its own history and charm&mdash;from Pasig&rsquo;s rubberized track that&rsquo;s hosted countless national events, to Manila&rsquo;s storied stadium that dates back to 1934, to Baguio&rsquo;s cool-climate oval tucked inside Teachers&rsquo; Camp. Now, these once-exclusive spots are becoming community spaces where anyone can break a sweat.
The initiative comes at a time when health experts warn of rising obesity rates among Filipino adults. By making these facilities more accessible, the hope is that more people will make exercise part of their daily routine. Imagine weekend fun runs, weekday Zumba sessions, or casual sunset walks&mdash;activities that not only boost fitness but also build a sense of community.
While the policy takes effect immediately, details like opening hours and usage guidelines are still being finalized by the PSC. Until then, it&rsquo;s worth keeping an eye out for announcements so you can plan your first visit. After all, in a city where space is limited and gym memberships can be pricey, having a free, open track to call your own feels like a small victory for both health and happiness.