Ilagan City—Challenge is accepted and now this city is hosting the final qualifying leg of the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) Batang Pinoy.
PSC Commissioner Celia Kiram was elated that the city took her challenge seriously when she was here three years ago for a cheerdance competition and will now be the home of more than 6,000 athletes and game officials in the weeklong event organized by the PSC for in-school and out-of-school children aged 15 and below.
“Nang makita ko ang complex, sabi ko palawakin pa nila ang venue at magtayo ng hotels if they want to host Batang Pinoy and true enough after three years, we are here,” said Kiram, also the oversight committee head of the Batang Pinoy program.
“And I’m glad they adhere to that. Now, they are hosting the Batang Pinoy Luzon leg and hopefully, more sports activities to come para magamit ito nang husto and become a sports and tourism hub in the north,” she added.
The Batang Pinoy Luzon leg officially kicked off on Sunday with the traditional opening ceremonies participated by 119 competing local government units (LGUs), the biggest among the three qualifying legs.
Kiram, together with fellow PSC Commissioners Ramon Fernandez and Charles Maxey, and Ilagan City officials, led by Mayor Evelyn Diaz welcomed the participants in the opening rites held at the City of Ilagan Sports Complex.
The PSC earmarked P35 million for this leg and donated P15 million worth of equipment that the city can use to boost its sports programs.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa PSC. We really need more support from other agencies pagdating sa equipment. We are thankful napili kami ng PSC,” said Diaz.
“As far as logistics are concerned, we are 100 percent prepared. Lahat ng billeting ready na pati ang venues. Even the people are ready and excited for this Batang Pinoy,” she added.
City General Services Office Chief Ricky Laggui thanked the PSC for giving Ilagan City the opportunity to host this multi-sports event, which aims to discover talents for the national teams.
“In the past, nakapag-host na kami ng maraming sports events but Batang Pinoy is the biggest one at na-shock kami sa dami ng participants,” said Laggui.
“But the City of Ilagan is ready para mapaganda ang aming hosting. Hindi lang tayo naka-focus sa sports. Gusto namin ma-entertain ang aming mga bisita that’s why we invite celebrities and prepare fireworks display sa opening and closing ceremonies para masaya,” he added.”‹