PSC goes long term on sports for grassroots

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), after laying the foundations of a policy that would chart the direction of the country’s grassroots development program, is now focused on the long term which it wants to put in place in the next two years.

PSC chairman Eric Buhain has tasked the National Grassroots Sports Development Program, specifically its project director Ariel Paredes, to immediately convene a national study group that will spearhead discussions on rationalizing a comprehensive long-term grassroots program.

Involved in the endeavor are the PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and local government unit coordinators. Target completion date is two years.

Buhain laid down the order prior to the closing of the National Grassroots Development Program Technical Consultative Assembly yesterday at the Bayview Plaza Hotel in Manila.

Over 400 delegates coming from all over the country took part in the three-day assembly the PSC successfully put together to kick-off a grassroots program that zeroes in on mass-based events culminating with objectives that involve excellent performances in international competitions.

The private sector also was a major player in the assembly with more than a dozen private companies pledging support to the program. Representatives of these companies agreed to a tie-up with the PSC and have guaranteed to undertake volunteer work and assignments in support of PSC programs.

With the completion of the assembly, the PSC foresees a better implementation of several mass-based events, beginning with the CHED National Games in Cebu next month and the Palarong Pambansa in May either in Naga City or Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

Also in tap for the year are the Summer Youth Trading Camp, Mindanao Friendship Games in Cagayan de Oro this November, and the Batang Pinoy-Philippine National Youth Games on December.

Puerto Princesa and Palawan together with Iloilo City and Iloilo province submitted their bids to host the Batang Pinoy. For the Summer Camp, it is a toss up among Iloilo City and Iloilo province, Laguna, Camarines Sur, and Pampanga.