Senate approves bills for sports academies and training centers

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate pushed for the development of better Filipino athletes by approving 5 bills that sought to establish sports academies and training centers in 5 different regions nationwide.

Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, chairman of the Committee on Games, Amusement and Sports, said the proposed foundation of sports facilities and training centers nationwide would boost the morale of young athletes, especially those from the provinces, and would encourage them to develop their skills.

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon said that the measures are part of Congress’ efforts to “expand the reach of the nation’s athletic programs, and enhance the Philippine’s competitiveness in major sporting events such as the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

Approved were House Bill no. 4292 or an act establishing the Misamis Occidental Sports Academy in Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental; House Bill No. 4308 or an act establishing the Davao Sports Regional Academy in Tagum, Davao del Norte; and House Bill No. 4307 or an act establishing the Siargao Island Sports Academy and Training Center in Dapa, Surigao del Norte.

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Similarly passed by the Senate were House Bill No. 4605 or an act establishing the Alfonso Sports Academy and Traning Center in Alfonso, Cavite and House Bill No. 4461 or an act establishing the Talisay Sports Academy and Training Center in Talisay, Cebu.

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According to Angara, the academies would be the primary sports development and training centers for their respective provinces and neighboring towns.

He said the talents of young athletes, especially those from the provinces, have remained untapped.

“We have so much potential, but we still lack the policies, facilities and personnel needed to hone the skills and raw talent of those far away from the big training centers in Metro Manila and other urban centers,” Angara said.

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“I believe establishing sports academies like these shall jumpstart grassroots sports development all over the country. With these facilities, many young athletes could adequately prepare for a genuine career in sports, and eventually improve their chances in the local and international arena.” he added.

With proper coordination and implementation of the sports academies, Angara said, the Philippines can hopefully train “the future Manny Pacquiaos, Nonito Donaires, James Younghusbands and the like.”

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The bills were originally authored in the House of Representatives by Representatives Jorge Almonte, Anthony del Rosario, Abraham Tolentino, Gerald Gullas and Francisco Matugas respectively. – Rappler.com