The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is set to partner with different government agencies in the coming editions of the successful Children’s Games, making the project a multi-faceted government effort for the youth, 12 years old and below.
Boosted by the UNESCO’s unforeseen interest and recognition of the Games as a trailblazing project, the PSC set out to forge partnerships with its counterparts in different government agencies to stage the project on a deeper and wider scope across the country.
The Children’s Games took the interest of the UNESCO seeing it as “a model to show others how it should be done” as stated by UNESCO consultant Caroline Baxter Tresise.
The project, which preceded even the Kazan Action Plan, an initiative by global sports leaders to set policies on sports as a major tool for sustainable development and peace and encourage access for all, is now seen as one of the hallmark projects of PSC Chairman William Ramirez’s administration.
PSC got the nod and support of the DepEd, CHED, DOH, DILG, DND, PNP and the PMS in a meeting held Friday in Mandaluyong City.
Asst. Secretary Tony Umali of the Department of Education said that his department is keen on the project and has promised to issue a memorandum to encourage all teachers and students’ support and participation on different capacities.
He also said that “we recognize the role of the PSC to lead the country in the area of sports. On behalf of the 2.2 Million public and private school students, you have our support”
Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa cited the timeliness of the project, citing sports as a way to wean away kids from involvement in the drug trade where, he said, “they are used as couriers and runners.” He further assured Ramirez that the PNP will give its support by way of securing the areas where the Games shall be held.
Dela Rosa also enjoined the PSC to involve his staff in other parts of the games aside from security, “they can officiate, they can coach”
Engr. Ronaldo Liveta of the CHED recommended to tap university students in the NSTP program to be part of the sports education component of the Games. “Since nationalism and community service are the objectives of the NSTP course in the university level, I think they would be ideal as a part of this project which also has the same sights” he said.
On the recommendation of Asst. Secretary Antonio Bautista of the Department of National Defense, the group will meet quarterly to check up on progress and set permanent representatives “to ensure continuity.”
Director Marlo Guanzon of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Division Chief Edna NIto of the DOH and PMS Dir. Victor Lorenzo of the PMS likewise gave their pledges of support for the project.
As a parting shot, Bato commented that “this proves it is better to work as a team. Hindi kailangan na PNP lang o DILG lang o DOH lang. We can put our efforts and resources together and be more effective”
Heartened by the positive reception on the project, Ramirez enjoined the men and women of the PSC to forge on and make a difference in the life of our youth by means of sports for “we can never go wrong investing in our children.”
The second edition will be held in La Trinidad, Benguet from July 11 to 14.
