MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) — The Bangsamoro Government, through the Bangsamoro Sports Commission (BSC)-Lanao del Sur, distributed cash grants worth P20,000 to 24 Karatedo athletes from Mindanao State University–Marawi on February 26. Four of the recipients won medals in a national competition.
BSC Chairperson Dr. Arsalan Diamaoden led the distribution of financial assistance before the athletes participated in the 6th Karate Pilipinas National Championships, held at the Tagaytay Combat Sports Center from February 28 to March 2, 2025.
“The BSC’s distribution of cash assistance is part of its Sports Development Program, aimed at supporting athletes who represent BARMM at the national and international levels,” said Diamaoden.
The following Bangsamoro Karate athletes earned medals in their respective categories: Abdulhakim A. Abdulrakim won a gold medal in the U21 Male Kumite -75kg category, while Kenji G. Sani, Nasrifah M. Esmayaten, and Sherry V. Valdez secured bronze medals. Sani competed in the Seniors Male Kumite -84kg, Esmayaten in the U21 Intermediate Female Kata, and Valdez in the U21 Female Kumite -50kg category.
The Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 12 mandates the BSC to “formulate policy, promote, regulate, coordinate, and implement programs for sports.” The commission views sports as an important tool for peacebuilding and transitional justice.
As the Bangsamoro region continues its efforts toward long-term peace and development, sports programs provide young people with opportunities for personal growth and regional representation, while steering them away from conflict.
Financial support, such as the assistance provided by the BSC, helps athletes cover essential expenses like training, travel, and competition fees, enabling them to compete at higher levels and represent BARMM. (BIO/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
