GAP defends huge budget

MANILA, Philippines –  Saying her association is just being honest and cannot afford to submit a shallow plan, Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion defended the P49 million budget she submitted to the Philippine Sports Commission.

“Yes, we did our assignment very well. We took into consideration a complete and honest-to-goodness elite development program in the hope of reaping its fruits starting with this year’s Southeast Asian Games, “ Carrion, elected GAP head four months ago, said during Friday’s SCOOP Sa Kamayan weekly session.

‘We need to catch up with lost time because for several years, Philippine gymnastics has slumbered. It has been silent to the critical need to acquire the mandatory training, accreditation and licensing for our national coaches and judges where no improvements on them had been made,” Carrion lamented.

“I have been GAP president for only four months, succeeding Mr. John Arenas who had to leave after having been appointed to a government post by the President. Yung P49 million we are asking the PSC, kulang pa considering that we need to expand and strengthen the base from which to source and augment our currently very few elite-level athletes and coaches,” she continued.

“We’re actually starting from scratch. Our existing equipment at the Rizal Memorial are rotting and the venue itself is in bad condition. “We need help instead of being ridiculed for what others, including media, perceived gargantuan budget,” she said.

Carrion said that when the PSC asked her association to submit a budget plan for 2011, she and her staff thought of submitting a good plan; something where every angle and areas are considered -- whether these are direct financial assistance or in kind.

“Amazingly, GAP submitted the highest budget requirements among the 50 NSAs. Why? Because, as I’ve said, we did our lesson. Our athletes and coaches should be housed, clothed and served with meals and all the amenities they need. Ideal training venues, high-standard equipment, overseas training, international exposure, etc.,” Carrion explained.

“We considered in our budget plan the quantification in peso value all that or athletes need. This way, we are able to recognize all kinds of government assistance for GAP, and I hope the PSC will be happy for us,” she said.

Carrion, former head of the tourism and sports program of the Department of Tourism, said she is also considering approaching the private and business community for funding, adding Filipino eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao has already signified his intention to help. 

Gymnastics, she pointed out, if given the proper support and attention, could be one of the richest sources of medals in any regional meets as the SEA Games, Asian Games, etc. The sport is capable of winning five of the 20 gold medals at stake in the SEA Games. It is more suited for Filipinos in terms of physique, which is a requisite for agility, grace and pliancy of a gymnast. 

“At the onset of my administration, the first thing I did was to convene for a planning workshop for all coaches, judges and members of the GAP board, a first in the history of GAP. I want a management of integrity and professionalism. I urge all of them to be one with me in this direction and commitment. Now, we are on a total re-strengthening of our ranks, “ Carrion disclosed.

She told her audience the technical teams in all disciplines are busy completing their technical manuals. The coaches group is doing coaching and training manuals. The board and admin staff are currently preparing the GAP operations primer.

“By end of February, our structures and policies, programs and directions will be completely defined. Then we are ready to zoom high,” Carrion said. (ENDIT)