The crack of arrows slicing through the air echoed across the Benjamin Dy Sports Complex during the 2026 WAP-PSC Philippine National Archery Championship Qualifier Leg 1 in Cauayan City, Isabela. Among the 450 young archers from across the country, 17-year-old recurve specialist Juliana Vernice Garcia of Pasig City emerged as the standout performer, solidifying her status as a rising star in Philippine archery.
Garcia's Determination and Record-Breaking Performance
"I've been shooting since I was eight. My dream right now is to qualify and do well in the Asian Games. If I can pull it off, the Olympics won't be that far," Garcia said, her voice steady with determination. She shattered the Philippine record with 662 points in 72 arrows, surpassing Abby Bidaure's 2024 mark by 20 points. Garcia ranked first overall in the three selections for the Asian Games.
Support from PSC and World Archery Philippines
The event was hosted by Mayor JC Dy and witnessed by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio, who was impressed by the turnout. "Sometimes I ask myself if Sunday is a time to rest. But when you meet 450 young archers from all over the Philippines, full of aspirations and dreams, you immediately know my efforts are worth it," Gregorio said. He announced plans for a Regional Training Center for archery and ball sports at the Benjamin Dy Sports Complex and a rowing center at the Cagayan River.
Korean Coaches Elevate Philippine Archery
With World Archery Philippines president Jonathan "Bing" Reaport at the helm, the national team has enlisted two Olympic coaches from South Korea: Ryu Su Jeng and Hong Sun Chil. Ryu, who led South Korea to five Olympic gold medals, is now shaping the Philippine program. "Before Coach Ryu came, our recurve archers never hit scores in the 660s or 670s. Now it happens more often. Even our under-18 youth can score 700 in 72 arrows at 50 meters," Reaport noted.
Training and Balance for Garcia
Garcia, an 11th-grade student at CCF Life Academy in Pasig, balances academics with grueling evening practices. "Training under Coach Ryu was tiring at first—obviously more training than before—but you get used to it. It becomes easier. My chances for the Asian Games are pretty high this year," she said. Her idols are the Korean archers, whose discipline and hard work inspire her.
Future of Philippine Archery
The Cauayan qualifier is the first of four legs leading to the national finals in November in Candon City, Ilocos Sur. Winners will join the national training pool tryouts in January. Key athletes include Naina Tagle, Emmie Peredo, and Abby Bidaure in women's recurve; Gervin Garcia, Ian Nabu, Chas Colas, and Jonathan Reaport in men's recurve; and compound teams led by Paul Dela Cruz, Jeremy Reaport, Matthew Johnson, Amaya Cojuangco, Vanessa Caparas, Ariana Lim, and Michiko Gonzales. With a new generation of archers, Korean coaching expertise, and PSC's commitment to infrastructure, Philippine archery is entering a promising new era.
