Following a historic medal haul in ice sports at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is pushing to expand training facilities nationwide.

The Philippines claimed one gold in short track speed skating, three silvers in women’s figure skating, women’s ice hockey, and men’s short track speed skating, and four bronzes across figure skating, speed skating relays, and men’s ice hockey.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio highlighted the need for more rinks, noting Thailand’s advantage with 11 skating venues compared to the country’s three.

"We need eight more [skating rinks]. Kapag nangyari yan, we can win more medals," he said, citing plans to work with the SM Foundation.

Philippine Skating Union President Nikki Cheng and national athletes welcomed the development, stressing that additional rinks will improve training schedules, grow interest in ice sports, and raise overall competitiveness.

Athletes, including ice hockey captains Steven Fuglister and Bianca Cuevas, and short track speed skater Hans Mathew Buemio, said more venues will allow regular practice, enhance ice quality, and attract new participants.

The country’s ice sports teams are preparing for international competitions, including the Ice Hockey World Championships and the ISU Four Continents Championships.