Manila, July 28 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed to strengthen sports development across the country by pouring full support into programs that will hone future champions, starting from the grassroots level.

"Magbubuhos tayo ng todo-suporta sa mga palaro at mga atleta sa buong bansa (We will give full support to sports and athletes across the country)," Marcos declared in his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

He said a new national sports development program will be launched and will begin in schools, signaling the return of sports clubs and intramurals in all public schools.

"Uumpisahan natin ito sa paaralan pa laman...