For decades, coach Andrew Pirie has traveled across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao searching for the next generation of Filipino track and field stars.
The founder and head trainer of Pinoy Athletics has built his program around a simple belief: world-class talent exists throughout the country, and with the right support, young Filipino athletes can compete with the best on the international stage.
That mission received a significant boost after Mega Prime Foods Inc., through its flagship brand Mega Sardines, expanded its support for Pinoy Athletics, helping provide the resources needed for athletes to continue their development both at home and abroad.
“We, Pinoy Athletics, are beyond excited and honored to welcome Mega Prime Foods as our major team sponsor for Pinoy Athletics athletes,” said Pirie, adding that the sponsorship will help them cover their training and travel expenses.
“Mega Sardines is great for recovery and muscle development because of their rich protein source. They really provide the ideal nutrition to our team members. We applaud the vision and values of Mega Prime Foods. We hope to see this sponsorship evolve into a longer term agreement,” he added.
The partnership comes at a crucial time for Pinoy Athletics, which currently supports 34 promising athletes from different parts of the country. Among them are Davao del Norte sprinter Samantha Martinez, who captured silver in the women’s 100 meters at the National Open in Capas, Tarlac; Capiz-based sprint hurdler Angelica Belendres; Aleah Mae Sawan; and sprinter Aaron Pahilagao.
The roster also includes emerging talents Zion Corrales Nelson, Neil Catral, Eli England, Francis Patanpatan, Karl Patanpatan, and Kailen Perry, among others, all working toward representing the Philippines on bigger stages.
For Mega Prime Foods chief executive Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan, the partnership aligns with the company’s long-standing commitment to uplifting Filipinos through both nutrition and community development.
The country’s No. 1 sardines brand will support Pinoy Athletics through training activities, competitions, workshops, and public events designed to accelerate the growth of young Filipino athletes.
“From the founding of our company 50 years ago by my mother and father, we have been guided by the corporate value of Malasakit. From providing healthy and affordable foods, to a wide range of CSR, we want to give back to our fellow Filipinos and help build our country,” Chan said.
Known for its nutritional benefits and recognized as the world’s first and only seafood brand declared a Superfood by the Medical Wellness Association, Mega Sardines sees a natural connection between its wellness advocacy and the aspirations of the country’s rising athletes.
Chan emphasized that the brand’s support extends beyond sponsorship, reflecting a broader belief in the role of sports in nation-building and youth development.
Mega Sardines is a source of protein, calcium, and omega-3, nutrients that contribute to proper nutrition and support overall metabolic health.
“We embrace the idea that sports can be a nation-building tool, and our athletes bring pride to all Filipinos. When we learned of the Pinoy Athletics team, and their focus on grassroots athletes, we were immediately drawn to their mission and wanted to help,” Chan said.
She added: “We have reached an agreement with Pinoy Athletics which includes a financial donation for team operating expenses as well as delicious and nutritious Mega Sardines supply, an ideal source of protein, omega 3 oils, and a wide variety of nutrients for an aspiring athlete.”
To officially launch the collaboration, members of Pinoy Athletics visited the Mega Sardines Museum at the Mega Manufacturing Plant in Santo Tomas, Batangas on June 16. The tour gave athletes a firsthand look at the production process and the nutritional value packed into every can of Mega Sardines.
Chan also highlighted the importance of proper nutrition for young Filipinos beyond competitive sports.
“It is also good for parents to give their children Mega Sardines, as it provides protein and Omega-3 that support both physical growth and brain health,” Chan said.
Ultimately, the partnership represents a shared commitment to discipline, resilience, nourishment, and excellence—values both organizations believe are essential in shaping the future of Philippine athletics.
As Pinoy Athletics continues to discover and develop talent from the grassroots level, Mega Sardines’ backing provides another step forward in helping the country’s next generation of track and field standouts pursue their dreams and bring pride to the Philippines on the global stage.
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