PSC mounts program for street kids

One of the least privileged and overlooked sectors of society – the streetchildren – will now have a sports competition it can call its own with the launching of the Palaro ng Batang Lansangan on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial track and field stadium.

Commissioner Cynthia Carrion announced in yesterday’s PSA forum at the Holiday Inn Manila that the program, organized by the Philippine Sports Commission, aims to encourage street kids to engage in more productive pursuits and keep out of mischief.

"The basic aim of this program is to keep these children off the streets. To give them something better to do and sports, as everyone knows, is one of the best ways to do it aside from the fact it also a good vehicle for character-building," said Carrion.

Carrion, who is in charge of sectoral sports and is organizing committee chairman of the event, added the sportsfest is also an expression of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s concern for the needs of the needy and underprivileged.

"President Arroyo has always had a soft spot for the poor. And the Palaro ng Batang Lansangan is an extension of her Ahon-Bayan program which she began while she was still vice president and social services secretary," Carrion said.

Carrion added, President Arroyo herself will be the guest of honor during the formal launching.

First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, she said, has also been invited to the kick-off rites and will light the ceremonial torch during the day-long event.