Bringing sports to the peripheries

Last Friday, March 15, 2019, the Philippine Sports Commission inaugurated the Mindanao Regional Office at the DACS Compound, Champaca St., Juna Subdivision in Matina, Davao City.

This is the second time that the PSC has put up a regional hub in the city after several years.

The last time that the PSC has put up a satellite office for Mindanao was back during the first run of Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez at the commission from 2005-2009.

Setting up the office would make programs for Mindanao more accessible in the island. The flagship program of the sattelite office will be focused on peace and peace building programs particularly involving the children.

“Our activities will be centered in Mindanao focusing on sports for peace because if we have children exposed in activities relating to peace, it is easy for them to make peace when they grow up,” the chairman underscored in his message to the guests during the inauguration.

With this conscious effort of focusing on peace building initiatives through various sports programs, the commission is slowly bridging the gap between the marginalized sectors of the community and government.

In the data on poverty incidence in the country wherein the former ARMM, now BARMM, topping the list, bringing the programs to these areas is a concrete way of bringing sports to the peripheries. This is also an opportune time for the commission to work hand in hand with the new BARMM government in crafting sustainable sports programs that not only to help the children but also the communities.

When the children and their energies are diverted into meaningful and worthwhile activities, the community leaders and their parents can also focus on finding ways to uplift their livelihoods and state of life.

The commission is forward thinking for the next three years. While we want to bring honor and glory to the country in our participation in various elite sports spectacles as the SEA Games and the Fiba World Championships, we also want to champion the common Filipino in the communities. And the commission is looking into this reality and is in effect strengthening Section 2 of R.A. 6847-The Philippine Sports Commission Act, the policy declaration where the commission derives its functions and responsibilities.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” Bringing sports to the peripheries is not a guarantee of having a better quality of life for everyone in Mindanao but it is worth giving a shot.

Our activities will be centered in Mindanao focusing on sports for peace because if we have children exposed in activities relating to peace, it is easy for them to make peace when they grow up