Tagum Bishop to Palaro participants: ‘Honesty should come first’

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – Hours before the Palarong Pambansa 2015 officially opened, Tagum Bishop Wilfredo Manlapaz on Monday, May 4, challenged athletes and coaches to pursue honesty in their sports events. 

“A lot of things can be learned here in Palaro – sportsmanship, fairness, honesty, and justice should be exercised by everyone. But honesty while playing [and] officiating should come first,” Manlapaz said during the Thanksgiving Mass. 

The bishop also noted how honesty should be practiced in real life.

“As President Aquino said, if there are no corrupt people, there will be no poor Filipinos. There will be no poor athletes – no one will be hungry because of lack of funds or will have swollen feet because of non-matching shoes from the government,” Manlapaz said.

The Palarong Pambansa is the largest grassroots sporting even in the Philippines that aims to develop the potentials of the youth to become responsible and globally competitive citizens. It is the Department of Education’s (DepEd) way of promoting physical education and sports as an integral part of the Basic Education Curriculum.

Center for sports in Mindanao

The bishop lauded the government officials of Davao del Norte for their early and excellent preparations for the multi-sports event, where some 10,000 athletes from across the Philippines will compete.

Davao del Norte governor Rodolfo del Rosario earlier said plans are underway to build the Davao Sports Academy using the existing sports venues, after the Palaro.

This is good news for Manlapaz who sees sports as an avenue for the youth to pursue their dreams.

“Palarong Pambansa and sports is a way to help athletes who came from impoverished families like Manny Pacquiao. Whether you win or lose in this event, you are champions already. All of you have undergone rigorous training and sacrifice,” Manlapaz said.

He added: “You have discipline and you follow the rules of your sports. You have already made your families and regions proud.”

‘Be like Pope Francis’

Manlapaz also reminded the attendees of Pope Francis’ message – mercy and compassion – during his Papal Visit last January.

“God, who created us in his image and likeness, is a merciful and passionate father. We too, especially in this year of the poor, must strive to be merciful and compassionate with the poor, especially the children and the youth,” he added.

The bishop reminded athletes to always remember the big picture. 

“You are doing your best to get a gold, silver, or bronze medal. Do not get tired of pursuing excellence not only for your future, but also for your families and your fellow Filipinos,” Manlapaz concluded. 

Palarong Pambansa officially opens Monday after it was pushed back from its original Sunday schedule to give way to the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather match. – Rappler.com