DepEd holds tight screening of Palaro bets

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) said that it was undertaking strict screening and accreditation of student-athletes who will be competing in the Palarong Pambansa 2012 to open Monday next week.

The screening and accreditation of athletes, which started last April 28 and will last until tomorrow, was spearheaded by the National Screening and Accreditation Committee (NSAC) specially formed for the purpose by the DepEd to ensure fairness and honesty in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa.

The committee is composed of 25 members, eight of which come from the DepEd Central Office, and one authorized representative each from 17 participating regions.

Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali, secretary general of the 2012 Palaro, said the DepEd recognized the importance of the screening process to avoid any controversy arising from questions raised on the student-athletes especially at the end of the games.

“We are strictly following the rules and guidelines for the screening and accreditation to make sure that the Palaro will be free from any controversy,” Umali said.

NSAC has the duty to evaluate and verify the authenticity of the documents of athletes, coaches and chaperons as soon as the regional delegations are on their respective billeting quarters. Also, it is tasked to accredit qualified participants and formulate ground rules not covered by the guidelines on eligibility, as stated in Enclosure 3 of DepEd Memorandum No. 75 for 2012. 

To qualify for the Palarong Pambansa, athletes must be Filipino citizens, elementary or secondary from public or private schools who have participated in division and regional meets.

As a general rule, elementary athletes shall play in the elementary division while secondary athletes shall play in the secondary division. Athletes who have been declared over-age will not be allowed to play in the competition. However, elementary athletes who have been declared overage in elementary level may be allowed to play in secondary level.

Acquiring failing grades in more than two core subjects in the second grading period is also a ground for disqualification. Athletes who are past or current members of the National Team, National Training Pool and/or Development Pool, receiving monthly stipend from the Philippine Sports Commission or those who have played in SEA Games, ASEAN Games and/or Olympic Games, will not be allowed to compete.

NSAC shall consider replacements for disqualified athletes during the period of screening.