Cebu City picked as resource agency in PSC Sports Summit

CEBU, Philippines - Impressed by the comprehensive and genuine sports development program of the Queen City of the South, the Philippine Sports Commission has selected Cebu City as one of the resource agencies during the first ever PSC-LGU Sports Summit slated on February 24 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The PSC organized the ground-breaking event in an effort to set another milestone by convening the mayors and governors nationwide to affirm their roles in laying the groundwork for a sporting culture, and in the formation of athletic greats.

"With sports' capability as a potent tool for human development and channel for social integration, we implore the Mayor's support to our campaign for sports to be included in the development agenda of local government units," said PSC-LGU Sports Summit commissioner-in-charge Jose Luis R. Gomez in a letter to Mayor Michael L. Rama.

Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) chairman Edward Hayco said they are very happy to be given such honor.

"I felt proud and happy that our efforts have been recognized. I hope we could serve as a rode model to other LGUs in implementing their sports programs up to the grassroots level," said Hayco.

To showcase to the national leadership how the City was able to nurture a wide-ranging grassroots development project, Hayco said they have painstakingly prepared a short audio-video presentation with reference to its assigned topic in the summit which is "Grassroots Sports Program:Cebu City Model."

"I think we are able to sustain our grassroots program because of the culture of volunteerism, dedication and commitment that we have created among our athletes and other well-meaning individuals who went out of their way to train kids for free," said Hayco.

Some prominent persons from the public and private sectors have also been invited to grace the summit that is expected to draw no less than 1,000 local executives and sports officials from all over the country.

Smart Communications president Manny V. Pangilinan will talk on "From Business to Sports", while boxing superstar and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao will tackle "From Sports to Public Service."

PSC chairman Ricardo "Ritchie" R. Garcia will deliver a welcome remarks entitled "Widen the Base to get the Best:A Challenge to the Nation," while Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose "Peping" S. Cojuangco, Jr. will discuss about "Partnership and Cooperation:The Key to a Successful Sports Development Program."

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, the guest of honor, will take up "Sports as a Component of the Social Development Agenda of the National Government."  (FREEMAN)