The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) oversaw the graduation of 23 grassroots coaches from the C Diploma Course hosted by the Cebu Regional Football Association (CRFA) at PAREF Springdale School in Cebu City on Saturday.
The C License, a 60‑hour foundational qualification for coaches of players up to age twelve, is the first step toward the B and A diplomas and aims to improve coaching standards at the grassroots level.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez said better players start with better coaches and highlighted that each certified coach will carry the knowledge to schools, clubs or barangay pitches across the region.
Head tutor Ariston Bocalan led the programme, assisted by Robert Nicart, Martin Ferrer and Jinggoy Roa, delivering the curriculum that also emphasised four core Filipino values, including “puso” – playing with passion and pride.
CRFA President Engr. Rodney Orale, who acted as guest of honour at the graduation ceremony, thanked the PFF and General Secretary Gelix Mercader for entrusting the association with the AFC‑PFF C Diploma Course for the second time this year.
Orale added that hosting the course reflects CRFA’s commitment to developing more qualified coaches not only within the Visayas but also for neighbouring regional football associations.
The successful completion of the course expands the pool of certified grassroots coaches in the Philippines, supporting the PFF’s broader objective of strengthening youth football pathways ahead of upcoming AFC competitions.
The PFF plans to roll out further C Diploma sessions across other regions later in the year, with the next scheduled in Luzon in early 2027.
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