PSC to strengthen grassroots programs

THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will not only focus on the elite athletes but will also strengthen its grassroots development programs.

PSC chairman Noli Eala said this at the government sponsored public briefing on Friday.

“Pagdating po sa programa na ating bibigyan ng priority, unanguna na po diyan ang pagpapalaganap ng ating grassroots program sa bawat sulok ng ating bansa,” Eala said. “Atin pong nilalatag na, at kinukunsulta na po natin ang iba’t ibang stakeholders kung papano po natin lalong palalakasin ang paglahok ng ating kabataan sa ating sports programs.”

Eala also bared his plan to revive the National Sports Development and Promotion Council which will involve the participation of the Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, local government units and the national sports associations.

“Ito po ang magiging backbone ng isang malawak na grassroots participation ng ating mga kabataan sang-ayon na rin po sa mandato ng Philippine Constitution at ng RA 6847,” Eala said.

RA 6847 is the Republic Act creating and establishing the PSC.

Eala, likewise, said that the PSC will continue supporting the elite athletes such as weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, gymnast Carlos Yulo and pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena.

“Paghahandaan po natin ang mga darating na international competitions tulad ng Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games next year at ang Paris Olympics sa 2024,” the former commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association said. “We will give them international training and exposure.”

The PSC will also fully support the country’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup next year.

Eala also thanked the Congress for the smooth passage of the sports agency’s budget during the plenary deliberation at the House of Representatives on Thursday.