A senator filed a bill seeking to institutionalize the Philippine National Games to be carried out by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
In a statement on Sunday, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go said he filed Senate Bill 2001 or the Philippine National Games Act which seeks to link grassroots sports promotion to "elite" sports development initiatives.
Under the bill, the PNG will widen its base for the selection and recruitment of athletes to include those not enrolled in schools. They will then constitute the national pool to be trained for international competitions.
"Naniniwala ako na ang sports ay isang paraan upang mabigyan natin ng holistic growth ang ating kabataan at ilayo sila sa mga masasamang bisyo, tulad ng iligal na droga," said Go.
"Gusto nating lumaki ang ating kabataan na may disiplina, pakikipagtulungan, bayanihan at, higit sa lahat, pagmamahal sa bansa. Alam kong sa sports din natin ito masisilayan," he added.
The measure mandates the PSC to take charge of the PNG. At present, the PSC is mandated to provide leadership, formulate policies, and set priorities and direction for all amateur sports promotion and development, particularly emphasizing grassroots participation.
"Kung maganda ang ating sports program sa bansa, hindi malayong maraming kabataang Pilipino ang sasali na sa mga programa. Kaya naman dapat mabigyan natin ng buong suporta, lalo na sa financial aspect at development programs, ang ating mga atleta," said Go.
Go earlier proposed the establishment of the National Academy of Sports, which was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte in June last year.
The law mandates the creation of a national sports program and the institutionalization of a secondary education system to develop the athletic skills of students. — DVM, GMA News
