The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has strengthened its grassroots football coaching education programme in the Visayas, with 23 coaches completing the PFF C Diploma Course hosted by the Cebu Regional Football Association (CRFA) at PAREF Springdale School in Cebu City. The initiative aims to improve the quality of grassroots football development by equipping coaches with foundational knowledge and practical skills to train young players.
The PFF C Diploma, also known as the C License, is a foundational coaching qualification designed for individuals working with football players aged 12 and below. The 60-hour programme introduces coaches to essential principles of grassroots football training and serves as the first step in the federation's structured coaching education pathway. After completing the C Diploma, coaches can progress to the B Diploma, which requires 120 hours, followed by the A Diploma, comprising 180 hours, subject to the respective experience and admission requirements.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez highlighted the importance of developing qualified coaches to strengthen football from the grassroots level. He emphasised that coaches who work with children during their initial exposure to the sport play an important role in shaping their skills and understanding of the game. According to Gutierrez, certified coaches can extend their learning to schools, clubs and local community football grounds, supporting the development of young players across different regions.
Ariston Bocalan served as the head tutor for the course, supported by Robert Nicart, Martin Ferrer and Jinggoy Roa. CRFA President Engr. Rodney Orale attended the graduation ceremony as the guest of honour.
Orale expressed appreciation to the PFF for giving CRFA the opportunity to host the AFC–PFF C Diploma Course. He also acknowledged Gutierrez and PFF General Secretary Gelix Mercader for their support and for appointing Bocalan as the course tutor.
He noted that this was the second time CRFA had hosted the diploma course during the year, reflecting its continued commitment to developing qualified football coaches. The association also aims to contribute to coaching development beyond its immediate region by supporting participation from neighbouring Regional Football Associations.
An important component of the programme was its emphasis on four Filipino values that coaches are encouraged to pass on to young players. These include puso, representing passion, pride and resilience; bayanihan, highlighting teamwork, unity and collective effort; disiplina, emphasising commitment to training and continuous improvement; and respeto, promoting respect for teammates, coaches, opponents and the game.
Gutierrez explained that these values are essential to the development of young Filipino footballers, particularly through their earliest interactions with coaches. By incorporating these principles into grassroots coaching, the programme seeks to encourage positive attitudes alongside football skills and technical development.
The 23 coaches who completed the programme represent the growing participation in structured coaching education across the region. The graduates include Bernard Francis A. Buot, Jolina Bellarba Colon, Cyrus John J. Paca, Robert S. Mamac, Ralph Patrick V. Gaite, Celso R. Laborte, Cliford C. Francisco, Anthony Niel Rosauro, Gilbern Bong B. Aller, Samantha Claire M. Toledo, Mohammed Ali, Alex España, Kintaro B. Miyagi, Rowell T. Unabia, Major Dean D. Ebarle, Michael D. Bonjoc, Limhar A. Baunsit, Antonnie Gail D. Cabra, Bency Ray D. Villanueva, Philip Akabah-Kudenu, Lev D. Zafra, John Jessel B. Codeniera and Amber Mari Ysabel M. Villaflor.
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The qualification also provides graduates with an opportunity to advance their coaching education. Those who meet the required experience and admission criteria can pursue the B Diploma, continuing their professional development through the PFF coaching pathway.
Gutierrez thanked CRFA, the course tutors and all participating coaches, encouraging the graduates to apply their learning within their respective football communities and continue developing their coaching capabilities.
Through initiatives such as the C Diploma Course, the PFF continues to expand access to structured coaching education beyond major football centres. Developing grassroots coaches remains an important part of strengthening the country's football ecosystem, as trained coaches help introduce young players to the sport, encourage participation and establish the foundations for future player development.
