|
By Emil C. Noguera, Correspondent
THE Senate has approved the P238-million budget proposal of the
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for next year.
The PSC, represented by commissioners Akiko
Thomson, Richie Garcia and Eric Loretizo, got the approval on
Tuesday during the Senate Appropriation Committee hearing headed by
Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile.
“This only proved how supportive the Senate in
our quest for sports excellence. We extend our gratitude to the
Senate,” said Loretizo on behalf of PSC Chairman William Ramirez,
who took a leave of absence last week.
Majority of the budget will be spent on PSC’s
short- and long-term program including preparations for the 2009
Southeast Asian Games in Vientiane, Laos, and some grassroots sports
development program.
The Philippines wound up sixth in 2007 SEA Games
held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand with 41 gold medals in the bag,
far from 112 golds it won in 2005 Manila edition.
“Paghahandaan natin yung SEA Games dahil gusto
nating makabawi after finishing sixth in Thailand last year [2007].
We will be supporting the international training and exposure of our
athletes,” said Loretizo.
The PSC is also planning to send several elite
athletes in China, the United States, Australia, Russia and Europe
as early build up for the 2012 London Olympics.
“May nakalaan naman tayong budget para sa
Olympic training. Gusto naming tuluy-tuloy ang programa natin para
sa mga atleta. Itong mga nakalinyang program sa grassroots ay
magsisilbi ring panimula para makakuha tayo ng mga bagong talento
para sa 2012 London Games,” added Loretizo.
The PSC’s budget this year is P268 million,
P30 million of which was spent for the country’s participation in
the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in August.
Meanwhile, the under-12 Mindanao Children’s
Games will be launched on November 14 in Davao City.
“The MCG aims to gather Christian, Muslim, and
Lumad children in one activity that knows no barrier or cultural and
religious boundaries. The PSC hopes that this event would help
promote peace and harmony in Mindanao,” said Loretizo.
After the inaugural edition in Davao, the PSC
also plans to stage the multi-sporting event in Lanao and Cotabato
provinces.
Events on tap are athletics, basketball,
baseball, chess, football, swimming, table tennis, tae kwon do and
volleyball.
|
