Sports Development As Unifying Force

by Ernesto T. Solidum

Definitely the unifying force of the nation especially during times of crisis is through sports because in training it subjects the mind and body toward a specific goal. Kapihan forum on November 12, 2011 at Smokehauz Resto & Bar takes a good look at sports development in Aklan. Guests are Hon. Basilides Tabernilla, SB member of Makato and sports analyst, Ms. Mary Ann Lopez, DepEd, Provincial Sports Coordinator and Mr. Fred Neri, Provincial Sports Coordinator.

Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, said that Aklan has contributed prominent athletes to the national level in recent years such as PBA players Wyne Arboleda and Egay Billones, Neri Brothers and siblings, Mira Mirano – Chess, Anthony Agusquiza and Marjorie Macahilig – Boxing and Jose "Oting" Ijalo – Dragon Boat. Funding for sports development program spearheaded by DepEd comes from the Office of the Provincial Governor.

Mr. Neri remarked that there is a silver lining in sports particularly those who have it and excel. Actually it starts at the barangay and inching up the ladder of success Sports promotion and training could be coordinated by SK reaching out to talented youths who may be poor and out of school. Rationale is to break the cycle of everyday life such as accomplishments of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao who conquered life’s; deprivations, Mr. Neri underscored.

November is opening season of sports com-petition where provincial athletes are screened at Unit and District meets, said Ms. Lopez. There is special program for sports that provide scholarship and continuous training in all primary and secondary schools. PAGCOR grants P60,000 subsidy scholar-ship to each athlete per semester, a generous incentive to stay on focus since school expense in the provincial are minimal compared to Metro Manila.

Mr. Tabernilla believes that Aklanons have the natural interest in sports like individual events – boxing, chess, table/lawn tennis, taekwondo and all others. However, the program is weighed down by problems like inadequate funding for facilities and sports equipment. DepEd has no funds for regular training sessions especially those coming from distant towns. Shortage of PE teachers exacerbates the problem and coaches need further training.

In his interaction, Dr. Gabriel Delfin, former athlete in his student days underscored the need for comprehensive development program on sports in order to address problems on finance, training, and facilities. We suggest a practical, inexpensive and conscious effort to mould athletes using LGU resources as training ground. In these hard economic times we must be creative and resourceful if we want to succeed in training youths for life.

Sports used to be included in the curriculum of education being called DECS. Subsequently the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) was organized to absorb previous role of DECS. It is incredible that after 20 years, the now streamlined DepEd still handles sports development program but lacks the financial and technical expertise to deliver. In short, we are simply bungling the whole problem with ineffective solutions.

Ms. Lopez justifies the usurpation account of the physical education program but teaching basics of PE and sports development are two different worlds. They are like parallel lines that never meet.

Most likely Congress has failed in this respect by its omission to strengthen the PSC through adequate funding and organization from national to municipal level. It is very unfortunate that DepEd officials frequently beg for sponsors of athletic delegations to other provinces and cities. Big businesses in Aklan shy away from controversial donations unlike in Iloilo and Negros Occidental. This is an offshoot of bad image and self respect.

Hon. Tabernilla echoes a concern of his town mates especially kids who are deprived of their classroom every time there is inter-provincial event at the Aklan Sports Center in Calangcang, Makato. It is quite normal that nearby school buildings are used as temporary billeting quarters of coaches and players but when overdone, then this is another thing. Pity the pupils and parents who bear the burden of strained access to quality education. Moreover, basketball is classified as indoor game hence the facility at Aklan Sports Center is simply outdated. Problems are hereby addressed to Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, Cong. Joeben T. Miraflores, and Partylist Representative Teodorico Haresco for their reference and positive action.

Unifying force can only be complete once Congress acts with decisiveness to have a systematic, coordinated and responsive program on sports. This is the reason why other developing countries of Asia like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia have beaten us in most sporting events. It is time to meet the challenge with resoluteness. /MP