Golf ‘fore’ a good cause
![](https://qa.philstar.com/images/authors/1128956.jpg)
Golf takes center stage once again!
I have always said that golf is a great game, one that you can play with your peers of every skill level because of its handicapping system, and a game that you can play competitively, if you choose, up until your senior years.
Taking that into consideration, numerous organizations have used golf as a tool to raise funds for all their various endeavors, which is exactly what Angkla Party-list had in mind when they staged the 1st Balanghay Golf Tournament at Southlinks Golf Club in Las Piñas last month.
As influenced by the first sea vessel made by Filpinos called balangay, Project Balanghay is a program between and among the Department of Education (DepEd), Angkla Party-list, and Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (PTC) for the early implementation of the Senior High School Maritime track conforming with K to 12’s full implementation in 2016.
![](http://media.philstar.com/images/the-philippine-star/lifestyle/health-and-family/20151013/Golf-6B.jpg)
Marino Daily’s Bong Alorro registering for the tournament
Angkla collaborates with DepEd and taps industry partners and potential Local Government Units (LGU’s) to work for the development and implementation of the project. PTC, as an industry partner, has invested in the curriculum’s development for its early implementation, having adopted three pilot schools: Muntinlupa National Science High School, Gil Montilla National High School (Sipalay City, Negros Occidental), and Capitol University (Cagayan de Oro).
Future seafarers from GMNHS and Capitol University are marching their way to graduation in March 2016, while MNHS has just started offering the program this year with expected graduates by 2017.
Several sponsors believed in the project and supported the endeavor, like Philippine Airlines, Smart Satellite Services, Rayomar Insurance Business, Whealth Inc., Abojeb, Asian Institute of Aviation, Association of International Shipping Lines, Inc., Westwind Shipping, Bellevue Hotels & Resorts, Filipino Shipowners Association, Globe Business, Inc., Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Inc., Philippine Interisland Shipping Association, Integrated Seafarers Philippines, Save One Inc, MacroAsia Airport Services, Gatorade, Shakey’s Pizza, Golf Depot, and 3636 Golf Fashion.
Angkla Party-list representative, Congressman Jesulito A. Manalo, thanked all the supporters and was present to do the ceremonial tee-off.
![](http://media.philstar.com/images/the-philippine-star/lifestyle/health-and-family/20151013/Golf-6C.jpg)
Edgar Milla of Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Capt. Honorio Casalme of Ugland Marine Management, and Rodolfo Santos of Aviation Career Management Innovators World ?
The winners: Overall Low Gross — Atty. Frank Figura, Class A champion — Jay Valdez, Class A runner-up — Ben Jacinto, Class B champion — Capt. Don Marfil, Class B runner-up — Guilbert Llamado, Class C champion — Larry Dacles, Class C runner-up — Capt. Tony Espinosa, Ladies champion — Ting Yupangco.ååå
The golfers had a thrilling day of competition, but the true winners were the students whose lives will be changed forever.
* * *
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @anthonysuntay, and like my Facebook page: Anthony Suntay.