From grassroots to glory

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, a sports enthusiast and athlete myself, I have always believed that if a young athlete is given full support from the amateur level to full status, Filipino athletes can achieve much more honor than they already have.

On June 26, our initiated pledge of financial support of P200,000 to each member and coaching staff of the Alas Pilipinas Women’s Volleyball Team was fulfilled. Together with the Philippine Sports Commission, we presented the incentives to the team after their bronze medal in the Asian Volleyball Challenge Cup on May 29. This is also a great boost for our spikers in preparation for the upcoming FIVB Challenger Cup.

It is also through our initiative in partnership with the PSC that we were able to gift our Olympians with P500,000 each on June 21, ahead of the 2024 Paris Games. I have the highest appreciation for PSC for our joint efforts to provide our Filipino athletes with the to provide the greatest possible support.

These tokens are of little value compared to the glory they bring to the Filipinos. Imagine what level they can reach if the support is focused from the beginning of their sports careers!

This is precisely why I authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City and integrated secondary education with a specialized sports curriculum for aspiring student athletes.

I also mainly sponsored and am one of the authors of Senate Bill 2514, also known as the Philippine National Games Bill, which had already passed on final reading in the Senate to establish a comprehensive national sports program from grassroots to national to institutionalize theatre, if it were to come into effect. law.

Let’s continue to support and encourage our athletes, “Go for gold! Laban tayo!” As our rallying cry goes: “Go exercise and stay away from illegal drugs to stay healthy and fit!”

In the meantime, our work for a better future for our kababayans continues. On June 24, I was in Masbate to attend the 10th Bagat-Dagat Festival and inspect the Super Health Center in Cataingan with Governor Antonio Kho. On the same day, I helped 1,000 displaced workers in the city.

In San Fernando City, La Union, on June 25, I was the keynote speaker at the Commencement Exercises of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Mid La Union Campus, where we presented a show of support to 719 graduates. We also gave similar messages of support to those who graduated on June 26 and 28.

I then visited the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center to inspect the Malasakit Center and implement a nutrition program for the hospital staff and patients. I also attended the San Fernando Super Health Center ribbon cutting with Mayor Dong Gualberto. In the city of San Juan, we assisted 2,000 needy people in partnership with the provincial government led by Governor Raffy Ortega-David, former Governor Pacoy Ortega and other officials.

On June 26, as an adopted son from Nueva Ecija, I went to Lupao to help 1,000 residents in need together with Cong. General practitioner Padiernos. I also visited Santa Rosa, where 2,000 impoverished residents were served by my office and received financial support through our partnership with Governor Aurelio Umali. I also inspected the evacuation center in Santa Rosa, which we helped fund as Vice Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.

On June 27, as the adopted son of Puerto Princesa City, together with Mayor Lucilo Bayron, we helped 1,000 displaced workers and 2,000 needy people. These beneficiaries also received temporary livelihood and financial assistance through our partnerships with DOLE and the provincial government, respectively. Together with councilor Elgin Damasco, we also supported 1,300 poor residents of the city. Finally, I was a guest speaker at the National Board Conference of the Philippine Elementary School Principals Association.

On June 28, I participated with Governor Rogelio Pacquiao in the inauguration of the Super Health Center and the distribution of aid to 500 displaced workers and 667 needy residents in Alabel, Sarangani. We then went to General Santos City to help another group of 1,000 displaced workers with Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao. On the same day, I attended the General Assembly of the Philippine Councilors’ League Sarangani Federation with PCL Sarangani President Evelyn Alegario and PCL GenSan President Ma. Lourdes Casabuena.

On June 29, I visited Lupon, Davao Oriental, before heading to Mati City to assist 3,000 impoverished residents, together with Mayor Michelle Rabat, with whom we collaborated with relevant agencies to provide support to the sectors in need. I then witnessed the change of ambulance units for San Isidro and Caraga, Davao Oriental, which I advocated as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health. I also attended the Liga ng mga Barangay Davao Oriental Chapter Congress with Provincial President Jossone Michael Dayanghirang and Cong. Nelson Dayanghirang Sr.

Thereafter, I was invited as a guest speaker for the 4th Graduation Ceremony of Davao Oriental State University with University President Dr. Roy Ponce, where I delivered my message and expressions of support to 1,686 graduates, faculty and staff.

Finally, I attended the opening of a sports cup in Davao Oriental, in which 11 teams from different municipalities in Davao Oriental participate. I also provided various support to further promote sports in their communities.

Meanwhile, my Malasakit team’s efforts to provide relief never stopped as they immediately assisted twenty fire victims in Davao City; and 19 in Capoocan, Leyte. We also provided additional support to 56 recovering fire victims in Navotas City who received housing assistance from the NHA through our efforts to help them rebuild their homes.

We also assisted 1,061 needy people in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija with Cong. Family Doctor Padiernos; 500 in Mapanas with Mayor Francis Tejano; 1,875 in San Roque with Mayor Mean Abalon; 1,000 in Catubig with Mayor Solomon Vicencio; 1,000 in Lapinig with Mayor Luisa Menzon, all in Northern Samar; and 1,000 in Mandaue City, Cebu with Mayor Jonas Cortes.

In addition, 100 residents of Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay received assistance from my office, in addition to the government’s livelihood support, together with Mayor Edreluisa Caloñge. We also assisted 508 displaced workers in Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, together with Mayor Janet Ilagan. We also provided assistance to police and military personnel in Alfonso, Nueva Vizcaya, together with Vice Governor Eufemia Dacayo.

As I always say, we only live once, so whatever help we can give to others and whatever honor we can give to our country, we must do our best to do it now.

As your lord Malasakit I am here to serve you, because service to the people is service to God. If you want to make more money, the best way to make your money is to make your money with your money!