LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) — Benguet Congressman Eric Go Yap appeals to the organizers of sporting events to consider various factors when scheduling competitions involving funding from local government units.
This appeal following the holding of two national sporting events-the Philippine National Games and the Batang Pinoy – at the National Capital Region from December 17 to 23, 2023.
“We are also appealing to the PSC (Philippine Sports Commission), the organizers of these events. Huwag naman sana end of the year nag-oorganize ng ganitong big events. They know for a fact kung gaano kahirap ang pondo ng mga LGUs, at depleted na talaga yan lalo pag patapos na ang taon,” Yap said in a statement.
“Our LGUs are not rich LGUs, unlike big cities and provinces. So kailangan talaga may preparation and proper budgeting para dito. And I heard they (PSC) will give each delegate 600 pesos transportation allowance; I don’t think that is enough for a week-long event. Yung playing venues, sobrang layo sa mga billeting areas. They should make it more systematic and cost-efficient next time,” he added.
Benguet province sent close to 300 student- athletes and their coaches and other support staff to the Philippine National Games and the Batang Pinoy sports activities.
Yap arranged for the provision of transportation services for the Benguet delegates by providing coaster that ferried the delegates from the province to Pasig City and back to the province after the competitions. He also rented at least 11 vehicles for a day as transport strike has hit Metro Manila on December 18.
In his visit at the delegates in their billeting area in Pasig City , the lawmaker provided inspiration as well as food and energy drinks and additional supplies.
“Kaya binisita natin sila, makita anong sitwasyon nila, kinausap natin yung parents and coaches na nandun, and in our own little ways, tumutulong tayo. Transportation needs, food at magprovide din tayo ng incentives para may dagdag motivation yung mga bata,” Yap said.
Having engaged in discussions with coaches who once wore the same shoes as their proteges, Yap recognizes the echoes of financial strain that resonate through the journey of aspiring athletes saying the lack of adequate financial backing not only affects training and equipment but also hampers the over-all development of potential sports stars.
“The financial aspect of it has been a perennial problem. I spoke with some of the coaches na they themselves were former athletes, talagang mahirap. Hindi na siya bagong problema. Fortunately, ginagawan ng paraan ng local government units natin despite lack of funds. So, it should be a collective effort. There’s only so much we can do kaya dapat tulong tulong,” Yap said.
The solon also vowed for substantial incentives for athletes garnering medals in their respective competitions with P5,000 for gold medalist, P2,000 for silver, and P1,000 for bronze.
He said that the cash incentives not only serve as a reward for their achievements but also as encouragement for future endeavors, fostering a culture of excellence and perseverance among Benguet’s budding sports talents.(JDP/ RMC- PIA-CAR) Photo Courtesy: Cong. Yap
