Council seeks pickleball inclusion in DepEd, city sports programs

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Council has approved a resolution urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to integrate pickleball into its sports program and requesting the Mandaue City Sports Commission to include the sport in the city's sports development initiatives.

Carlo Fortuna, who has pushed for the promotion of pickleball in the city, said it has become increasingly popular among people of all ages.

"Nakita nato nga all walks of life, bisa'g unsa'ng edara, ma-senior (citizen) or mga bata, daghan na kaayong nagduwa aning pickle ball," Fortuna said.

‎He noted, however, that most pickleball courts are currently located in private establishments, limiting access for many residents.

To make the sport more accessible to Mandauehanons, Fortuna said he filed the resolution requesting DepEd to include pickleball in its sports program.

‎The councilor added that even if the initiative is not implemented region-wide, it could begin in Mandaue City.

‎"Usa ni sa mga angay i-develop nga sports program sa DepEd," he said.

‎Aside from the education sector, Fortuna said he also urged the Mandaue City Sports Commission to integrate pickleball into the city's sports program.

‎To support the initiative, he said the resolution seeks the cooperation of the city's 27 barangays in identifying available open spaces, covered courts, and barangay gyms that can be used as pickleball venues.

‎"Naa naman tay tennis court pero wala pa for pickleball," Fortuna said.

‎Given the lack of dedicated pickleball courts, he said portions of the Sports Complex and the City Hall grounds could be converted into playing areas.

‎"Para matagaan ang tanang tao og higayon makaduwa og ingon ana nga sports," he said.

‎Fortuna said converting public spaces into pickleball courts is part of the city's effort to make the sport affordable and accessible to everyone.

‎He noted that private pickleball courts typically charge around P500 per session, which he described as expensive for many residents.

‎"Ang talent walay pili madato or mapobre, maong atoa, atagan nato'g higayon ang mga katawhan," Fortuna explained, stressing that pickleball should be accessible to all.

‎He said he requested DepEd's support so that funding could be allocated to help students who want to play pickleball.

‎Fortuna added that his appeal to the Sports Commission would also encourage barangays to organize tournaments using city and barangay sports facilities.

‎"At least, affordable kaayo siya," Fortuna said. — (FREEMAN)