For most golfers, the “break” in a major tournament is a time for rest and recovery. But for the members of the Philippine Golf Club of New England (PGCNE), the midpoint of the prestigious Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Golf Tournament has become a high-stakes mission of a different kind: a mission of healing.
On February 27, 2026, while the rest of the golfing world focused on leaderboards, a dedicated delegation of Filipino-American golfers and medical professionals gathered in Barangay Bangkas Heights, Toril, Davao City. Their goal was to provide critical healthcare services to nearly 200 residents, marking the third and most ambitious year of a tradition that is redefining the impact of sports tourism in the Philippines.
The initiative began humbly in 2024 in Cagayan de Oro as a simple feeding program for families in depressed areas. However, fueled by the spirit of bayanihan and the support of the Philippine Medical Association of New England (PMANE), the project expanded rapidly. By the time the tournament reached Bacolod City in 2025, the group had transitioned into full-scale medical missions.
“Who says golf and giving back cannot go hand in hand?” said Mr. Jojo Antonio, head of the delegation. “We are taking this opportunity to serve with funds collected out of love and volunteerism from our kababayans in the U.S. We play golf, and at the same time, we serve.” JojoAntonio’s roots can be traced to Dumaguete City that’s why he knows the dialect and know some people in the area.
This year’s Davao mission represented a massive collaborative effort. Partnering with the Tebow CURE Children’s Hospital, the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce, the Davao Jubilee Foundation, and AlsonsDevelopment and Investment Corporation, the team provided more than just basic check-ups. Patients received medicines, vitamins, and physical rehabilitative assistance. A specialist ophthalmologist was also on hand, providing eye exams and distributing reading glasses and sunglasses to those in need.
The medical backbone of the mission was uniquely “homegrown.” The team featured two “golfer-doctors,” Dr. Winston Magno and Dr. Olan Ona, who were reinforced by three additional physicians who flew from the United States specifically to volunteer their expertise for this one-day clinic.
The PGCNE’s commitment represents a growing trend of the Filipino diaspora returning home not just as visitors, but as active partners in nation-building. By coordinating with local authorities to identify the most underserved areas, the group ensures that their impact is felt long after the final putt is sunk.
As the PGCNE looks toward next year’s tournament, the goal is clear: to grow even larger and reach even more communities. For these golfers, the most important victory of the PAL Interclub isn’t found on the fairways, but in the smiles of the patients they serve.
About the Philippine Golf Club of New England (PGCNE):
The PGCNE is a community of Filipino-American golf enthusiasts based in the New England region of the United States. Dedicated to promoting sportsmanship and Filipino culture, the club has integrated charitable outreach into its annual participation in PAL Interclub tournament
