If plans push through, Dapitan’s pride Florian Gutierrez and Jussabelle Brillo of Cebu, the champions of the 1st Dapitan All-Ladies Beach Volley Open, will compete in the 6th BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games set November 26 to 30 in Brunei.
Alemarlou Dagpin, executive assistant of Dapitan Mayor Dominador Jalosjos, revealed the plan during his brief visit to Cebu earlier this week where he initially discussed the matter with Gutierrez and Brillo.
He said he has the backing of Carlos Vargas, president of Dapitan Tourism and Investment Council (DTIC). The two officials are even mulling to bring along a third player - Marites Acoyoro.
Dapitan was looking into an international event that the three could compete when Philippine Sports Commissioner Eric Loretizo mentioned the BIMP-EAGA event, a tournament launched in the Philippine way back in 1996.
By sending the three volleybelles to Brunei, Dapitan is hoping to stir interest in sports among the local residents.
In separate development, the local government unit of Dapitan as well as the DTIC is eyeing to go into sports tourism.
Vargas earlier expressed that the historic Dapitan, were the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal was exiled can be a host to different sporting events from water sports to extreme sporting events.
Vargas and Dagpin, who were in Cebu for a conference, had meetings with two sportsman, Councilor Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez, Jr., and Lou Ornopia. The two officials were hoping to get the sportsmen’s support as they plan to bring sports activities to highlight Dapitan’s annual fiesta next month.