THE PRESIDENT’S SUPPORT TO PHILIPPINE For the first time after a long time, sports was mentioned in a SONA last July 22, as he declared his support to the creation of SPORTS Ending a quarter and starting out a new one are a National Academy of Sports for High School. but part of life’s cycles.

“For our national sports development, I support the proposed We have to think and evaluate what we have done measure to create the National Academy of Sports for High good so far and what we as one Philippine Sports School students,” the President said. Commission (PSC) can still do and improve on so we could deliver what the Philippine Constitution, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William our President Rodrigo R. Duterte and the Filipino Ramirez, who is also the ’ chef de mission to the people expect of us. 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, praised the commander in chief for being a hands-on leader. We painstakingly strive to adhere to our mandate of bringing sports to the periphery, provide equal The PSC chief said, “there might be bigger priorities but opportunities in sports for all and help elite President Duterte has always given sports his support.” This athletes reach their fullest potentials. he said was proven in his perfect attendance to all Palarong There have been, there still are and there will still Pambansa opening ceremonies since he assumed office in 2016. be more rough roads to hurdle as we continue to serve the public. This path we journey together is The President, too, welcomed and sent off many Philippine difficult but it is also fulfilling without a doubt. delegations for huge international competitions like the Rio Olympics, Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and In this new edition of The Podium, we revisit in Malacañang. He also signed Republic Act 11214 or “the the women in sports leadership and coaching Philippine Sports Training Center Act,” establishing a seminar, Indigenous People’s Games in , state-of-the-art sports trtaining facility in the country President Duterte’s State of the Nation Address, that will rise in Rosales, in 2022. Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Unity Meeting, Expo, Athletes Delegation Meeting, Chairman Ramirez hopes that the Philippine Sports Institute consultative sports academy will provide a deeper pool planning and grassroots sports, of talents for the elite and raise the 2019 National Championships andSEA Games sporting knowledge of Filipinos. Inter-Agency Meeting.

The President’s consideration Know the updates of the ongoing rehabilitation for sports also transcends in his of the Memorial Sports Complex and the full support to the country’s Philsports Complex as the country gears for its fourth hosting of the SEA Games 2019 and get hosting of the 30th SEA Games inspiration from the story of sports icon, Mona on November 30 to December 11, Sulaiman. 2019, calling for national unity to ensure outstanding hosting while Thank you to the people behind The Podium for rallying stakeholders and agencies giving us another worthy compilation this edition. to focus on the athletes’ training and preparations for the biennial games.

We can rest assured that President Duterte always has the best interest of Filipinos, including those in the sporting community, at heart. ports is one of the Filipina coaches were put into Women great drivers of one of the most challenging equality; with its goal seminars they have ever been IP Games of defying gender in, learning the scientific stereotypes and aspects of coaching, the Leaders Ssocial norms, creating excellent importance of communication Take Center role models and showing men skills and working with athletes and women are even in the field on different conditions of life. of play. Stage At of sports What seemed to be an With over 200 sports ordinary activity turned out to women leaders, coaches, be an emotional and memorial , and local government experience, not just for the gets push representatives all over the coaches, but also for some country, the Philippine Sports women athletes in attendance. Palawan Commission continued its by Joash David L. Ricanor quest to further strengthen “Learning the heart this conviction when it held a of women in sports and how by Arianne V. Mallare Women In Sports Leadership it impacts the whole sports and Coaching Seminar from community in our country July 16 to 19 at the Century Park will be one of my greatest Hotel, . take-aways from this seminar,” shared Filipina Paralympian Gracing the opening and 2018 ceremonies, PSC Chairman bronze medalist Adeline William Ramirez mentioned the Dumapong-Ancheta. A need for more women coaches in the country. “Women have PSC Oversight the special ability to read the Commissioner for Women heart and mind of an athlete.” Celia Kiram plans to conduct a Women In Sports Conference

PSC oversight Commissioner Charles aymond Maxey and PSC-PSI National Director for grassroots sports development program Prof. Henry C. Daut led the 300 participating “Coaching is not always im 2020, with plans of reaching IPs during the 5thIndigenous People’s Games in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last July 26-27. Some of the traditional games that were played during the were pagbayo sa palay, supok and kadang-kadang sa bao. perfect, but it is leadership. more Filipina coaches next year. he Indigenous Peoples Rizal, Balabac, Roxas, Taytay, El Nido, for future generations.” said PSC I want to honor our Filipino women who truly exemplify As the PSC looks to Games or simply Busuan, Coron, Araceli and host Commissioner and oversight of the IP B known as IP Games, is Puerto Princesa City. Games Charles Raymond Maxey. the self-awareness, ingenuity, partner with Puzon again, one of the grassroots love and heroism of coaches in Kiram said that she and sports programs of the During the celebration, On its fifth and most recent honing the best in our athletes,” Chairman Ramirez envision a Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) eight traditional games in Palawan edition, the PSC’s IP games would added the agency chief. larger program for our women T hence “we are starting to plan which aims to preserve the culture and were showcased such as the takbo, never have been possible without the tradition of different ethnic groups in langoy, supok, sibat, pana, casing, support of the National Commission The sports agency a conference for next year,” the country through sports. pagbayosapalay, kadang-kadangsa on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), tapped Australia-based coach shared the lady Commissioner. bamboo and kadang-kadangsabao. National Commission for Culture Patricia Puzon as resource The PSC’s IP games is now on and the Arts (NCCA), Department of speaker. Puzon is the author “I am very thankful its fifth edition which was held at the Through this program, Tourism (DOT), Commission on Higher of the book, ‘Becoming a to the PSC for having this Great Coach’ and the director initiative for the betterment Puerto Princesa City, Palawan last July non-IPs were able to witness the Education (CHED), Department of C 26-27. simple yet joyful pastime of the IPs Education (DepEd), Armed Forces and founder of MAC’s CrankIt of our women in sports. I am which are also their way of life and of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Academy (MCTA) in New excited on this development,” South Wales, Australia. concluded Puzon. It was the first time that Puerto uniqueness from others. National Police (PNP), and the local A. Over 200 sports women leaders, coaches and local government representatives Princesa City – also known as the government units (LGUs). nationwide joined the 4-day Women in Sports Leadership and Coaching Seminar last July 16-19 at the Century Park Hotel, Manila. Eco-Tourism Center of the Philippines “Itong IP games ay isang “To change the The four-day seminar – hosted the games which had some napakaimportanteng proyekto ng After its inauguration last B. PSC Chairman William Ramirez during his opening speech during the event. landscape of sports for women, was the agency’s successor 300 participants joining the two-day PSC sapamumuno ni Chairman year, the IP games was successfully C. PSC Commissioner Celia Kiram with PATAFA Regional Director Dr. Drolly Claravall. our Filipina coaches have event to last year’s Women’s sports fest. William “Butch” Ramirez. Ito ay ating held in City, , to unlearn and discover the Congress, with pinanatiling buhay sa ating mga Lake Sebu, , Lagawe, importance of what they do and Governor Maria Imelda Josefa These indigenous people probinsya para matulungan ang ating Ifugao and Kapangan, Benguet. stand for. It has to start in us,” “Imee” Marcos and Bacoor reside in Aborlan, Narra, , mga kababayang IPs namai-preserba said Puzon. Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla. Brooke’s Point, Sofronio Española, ang kultura at katutubong laro For four days, the 1 THE PODIUM | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE PODIUM 2 very dream to play for thirty three minute-long SONA was Sports is truly an the country is a step a joyous moment for the sports closer now than it ever community rejoicing at sports being effective avenue was. considered important enough to to instill among In his fourth State of the make it to the SONA speech after so ENation Address (SONA), President many years. “We are so lucky to have the youth essential expressed his full a president that sees the role of sports President Rodrigo support to the establishment of a in nation building,” said Philippine characteristics for Roa Duterte expressed his full support for National Academy of Sports for High Sports Commission Chairman Butch nation-building such as the establishment of a School (NASHS). Ramirez. National Academy of discipline, teamwork, Sports for High School (NASHS) during his A first of its kind in the The massive feat of perseverance and all. fourth State of the Nation country, the proposed institution constructing infrastructures for the Address (SONA) at Philippine Congress in is a realization of making sports Filipinos’ pressing needs did not Thus, I encourage last education within grasp for deserving leave out the clamor for making parents to support their July 22, 2019. Filipino talents just waiting to be sports one of the administration’s tapped. priorities. “There might be bigger children to engage in priorities but President Duterte has “For our national sports always given sports his support,” sports and inspire them development, I support the proposed explained Ramirez. to always do their best “ measure to create the National Academy of Sports for high school The proposed academy, in balancing sports and students,” proudly shared President under Senate Bill No. 397, filed by academics Duterte in front of a fully-packed Senator in early August, last July seeks to develop the “athletic skills 22. and talents of high school students”. The NASHS, set The fourth for construction in New Clark SONA tackled the City, , is projected as various achievements an avenue to maximize the of his regime under advantages offered by the the “Build, Build, newly-built sports by Jeremielle R. Valeriano Build Program”. The complex. There partial scholarships to be offered for a quality secondary developing sports reached a milestone with the objective mention of will be full and education. of building what would be the home of the National sports in his The Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination team. The project, soon to rise a yet to be disclosed area, one hour with the PSC will be the implementing bodies for the received a funding of 3.5 billion pesos. and academy in terms of policy and program formulation. It will boast state-of-the-art facilities, including a oval, sports science buildings, and villas for the In 2015, the DepEd released guidelines for guests among others. The center is set to accommodate academic institutions aiming to have a Special Program athletes and coaches by 2022. The ownership of the PSTC in Sports, but was not fully successful due to the lack of will go under the PSC. equipment and sports exposure in public schools. As a staunch advocate of raising sports excellence According to Senator Bong Go, the NASHS is in the country, President Duterte strongly underscored foreseen to address this predicament and expressed how sports aids in instilling essential moral fiber in the that this is a “gift” to the Filipino youth and athletes. country’s youth with these policies and directives and The senator is one of the political forces pushing for this which he actually mentioned in his speech during the 2019 specialized educational institution. .

The academy has a proposed funding of 150 “Sports is truly an effective avenue to instill among million pesos. the youth essential characteristics for nation-building Further strengthening its foothold in becoming a reality, such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance and all. Thus, President Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11214 I encourage parents to support their children to engage mandating the construction of the Philippine Sports in sports and inspire them to always do their best in Training Center (PSTC) in February 2019. This law shores balancing sports and academics,” President Duterte said up this administration’s wish to bring sports at the forefront in his SONA. of nation-building.

The government’s policy of promoting and

3 THE PODIUM | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE PODIUM 4 rue to the ideal of spreading sports in all parts of the archipelago, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) journeyed towards different parts of the region to deliver the joy of sports to the people of the south.

T In the recent months, the PSC’s Mindanao Satellite Office traveled to hard-to-reach areas in Mindanao to conduct two huge activities – the Children’s Games with four different he Philippine Sports Commission and the legs and the Consultative Sports Planning, Grassroots Sports Philippine Sports Institute ensured that Clinic, and Children’s Games. Four mini-Children’s Games were sports officials, coaches and teachers from conducted successfully in New Bataan, Compostela Valley, various parts of the country were equipped Brgy. Tamugan and Brgy. Tawan-Tawan, and Malita, of proper coaching techniques, as it opened Davao Occidental. On the other hand, PSC, in coordination with Tits Consultative Sports Planning and Grassroots Sports the Philippine Sports Institute (PSI), led the back-to-back sports Clinic this year. Planning, Sports Clinic, and Children’s Games in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The program’s first stop was in Calbayog, Samar where 200 participants received advanced scientific coaching techniques in athletics, badminton, , and swimming from March 26 to 30, which was then followed in Biliran, last August 14 to 17. Sports Spirit FOR THE YOUTH OF MINDANAO “To us, it is equally important to also invest on sport Around 200 children gathered to enjoy the prepared coaching clinics like these for our coaches and trainers,” games in New Bataan, Compostela Valley. Provincial said PSI Deputy National Director and Cluster Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy gave his heartfelt gratitude to PSC Head Marlon Malbog. in the for reaching one of the most inaccessible municipalities in Compostela Valley. Simultaneous with the sports clinic, a consultative sports planning also occurred with PSC Sports PSC also brought the Children’s Games to Brgy. Coordinator Nonnie Lopez, PSC Mindanao Sports Tamugan in Davao City last August 31, 2019 in partnership During its kick off season in Calbayog, Samar last March Coordinator Ed Fernandez, PSC Consultant Dr. Sergio with Holy Cross of Davao College, and at Brgy. Tawan-Tawan, 26-30, over 200 participants received an advanced SOUTH Opena and Dr. Gemima Valderrama of the Department last September 14. Amidst mountainous barangays in Davao and scientific coaching techniques from the PSC-PSI of Education as resource speakers. By Sarah Batingal & Allyster Astronomo where its different Lumad tribes reside, barangay officials staff headed by PSC Mindanao Sports Coordinator Ed Fernandez and Luzon Cluster Head Marlon Malbog. and PSC staff were able to fetch children in the said areas to Lopez emphasized the importance of proper and scientific STRENGTHENING THE SPORTS BASE OF MINDANAO provide them the enjoyment of sports. coaching approach in grassroots sports. “The next generation of Filipino athletes lies in the grassroots. We The Consultative Sports Planning, on the other hand, Sports for Peace: Children’s Games also flourished have to impart these dynamic and scientific techniques kicked off with around 30 representatives from Bukidnon’s local in Holy Cross of Malita in Malita, Davao Occidental last to our local government sports officials as we become government units, Department of Education, and Sangguniang September 7 with PSC Commissioner Charles Maxey joining more effective at this level.” Kabataan joining. The use of the Appreciative Injury method the event. An estimated of 250 children of different tribes and became the highlight of the planning. “In the process, participants religions––B’laan, Tagakaulo, Muslim and Christians––came The event made it third stop in the city and province of will discover their best practices in terms of sports and all the together to play and recreate. PSI , the very first time PSI was able to conduct a resources that they have,” related Dr. Maria Gemima Valderrama, coaching program in the area. one of the lecturers in the said event. “Our Chairman loves children and he wants the The Sports Clinic, as one of the major activities, pooled a total of children to play. We are determined to continue this program, Department of Education City School Division 93 coaches and teachers. All participated in the clinic from athletics, which went full blast all over the country back in 2017,” takes Superintendent Nympha Guemo thanked the sports badminton, boxing, , and taekwondo. Lectures and shared Commissioner Maxey. The Sports for Peace: Children’s agency for hosting the program in the region. practical training were conducted and a comprehensive exam at Games as the latest of the activities was held on September the end was given. 20 with children from the Talaandig, Manobo, Umayamnon, on “We are honored that the PSC and PSI are here to provide Matigsalug, Tigwahonon, Higaonon, and the us an advanced and scientific approach for us to make a “The Grassroots Coaching Clinic, Consultative Sports Bukidnon tribes actively participating. progressive sports programs for the city and province, in Planning and Children’s Games in the Province of Bukidnon is a time for our bid to host the Palarong Bicol next year and realization of the PSC’s mandate of bringing sports to the countryside. new the Palarong Pambansa in 2022,” said Guemo. We would like to thank Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr. for the warm welcome and Malaybalay City Mayor Florencio Flores, Former national athletes turned veteran coaches Roselyn Jr. for hosting the venues for the different activities,” PSC Regional techniques Hamero and Joseph Sy of athletics, Mitchel Martinez of Coordinator for de Oro/ Leo boxing, Regie Jet Sanchez and Mark Joseph Perez of Pollentes said. by Joash David l. Ricanor arnis, Jose Jardin and Ronald Magnaye of badminton, and Benjamin Custodio and Kristoffer John Bayola of The PSC believes taekwondo led the coaching clinic held at Balogo ang that these activities are just Bibingcahan Gymnasiums. a beginning in the long road that they have to take in Bukidnon Province and Davao City were the last two order to reach the grassroots stops of the Grassroots Sports Coaching Clinic and and spread the ideals and Consultative Sports Planning last September 16 to 22 programs of the sports and September 24 to 30, respectively. agency

5 THE PODIUM | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE PODIUM 6 or the purpose of strengthening ties between Southeast Asian nations in terms of economic, social, cultural, technical, educational sports and other Ffields, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established. This regional organization was founded by countries Indonesia, , Philippines, Singapore and Thailand on August 8, 1967. A And on September 29 of 2016, the 6th Senior Officials Meeting on Sports (SOMS) endorsed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Work Plan on Sports for 2016-2022. It directs that every participating country must hold a sports activity to increase Delegates from the ASEAN-member states of Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam attended the expo from July 17 to 19 at the PICC and witnessed top-notch Arnis stylings from the national team. awareness on social issues and other matters involving the ASEAN. With this commitment, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) with the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis First among the priority area of the Federation, Inc. (PEKAF) organized the “Arnis Expo: An Work Plan is the “inclusion of ASEAN traditional Introduction to the Sport and Martial Art” at the Philippine B C sports games and existing sports events to International Convention Center last July 17 and 18. further instill values of mutual understanding, friendship and sportsmanship among ASEAN Sports officials from the Southeast Asian countries, nationals.” namely Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines, came to participate. As Singapore is committed to a yearly The expo exhibited and taught the delagates about the Marina Regatta, the Philippines’ commitment is history, techniques andforms of arnis. G a sports activity related to our national sport, D E arnis. Aside from the endorsement of the Work Plan on Sports, the SOMS-6 also set the weekends close to about” said a participant in the ASEAN Sports Day held August 8 as ASEAN Sports Day. One key element in with the Laro’t Saya sa Parke in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila the Work Plan on Sports is to “promote awareness last September 14. of ASEAN through sporting activities that bring the Our ASEAN ASEAN peoples together and (which) engages Undeniably , this endeavor is as huge as it is and benefits the community.”. These are important. Through these simple activities, it allows us to Commitment principles the PSC instills in its programs. come to terms and reconnect with our roots as Filipinos By Chariza Fe V. De Vera and our shared history as peoples of the ASEAN. “We tied the ASEAN Sports Day Activity F with the other programs of the agency that Come October, the country will host the Senior has the same objective with it”, explained Officials Meeting on Sports and shall have sports ministers The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by Michelle Balunan, the point-person for and officials from member-countries present and attending Chairman William Ramirez and Philippine Eskrima ASEAN matters. In the months of August the proceedings. Kali Arnis Federation, Inc. (PEKAF) President Miguel Zubiri partnered for the organization of Arnis Expo: An and September this year, it was held Introduction to the Sport and Martial Art for the purpose in conjunction with the Batang Pinoy of strengthening ties with the Southeast Asian Nations. National Championships and Laro’t H. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) community in the observance of the ASEAN Sports Day! Saya sa Parke at Puerto Princesa City, The two-day Sports Exhibit was held last August 24 to 25 at the Puerto Princesa Palawan, Quezon City Memorial City Coliseum.

Circle, City of San Juan and at I. Exclusive merchandise were also displayed at the ASEAN Sports Day Exhibit. Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila. H I The awareness campaign exhibited and discussed ASEAN goals and the objective of the ASEAN Sports Day “This activity is a great way for us to remember that there is ASEAN and what it is all

7 THE PODIUM | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE PODIUM 8 ne of the reasons why the Philippine Sports Commission was created was to give the country a genuine national sports development program. O That is why the PSC has put premium on continuing to hold the Batang Pinoy, a multi-sports event for in and out-of-school youth athletes aged 15 years old and below, year after year to serve as the embodiment of its thrust in discovering talents from the far-flung areas across the country.

And the just concluded 2019 Batang Pinoy National Finals is a testament to this commitment as it has attracted more than 10,000 athletes including regional qualifiers in legs staged in Tagum, Davao del Norte, City, City, early this year.

PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez himself stressed the need for a grassroot development program like the Batang Pinoy mostly because of character-building, peace-fostering and other values that the meet teaches participants.

9 THE PODIUM | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE PODIUM 10 “Sports does not only teach BATANG PINOY SHORTS kids discipline but also other important character-building BAREFOOT RUNNER BAGS FIRST GOLD values that is what our country -native Lheslie De Lima bags the first gold medal in the Girls 800-meter competition of Batang Pinoy National Championships at Ramon V. needs in nation building,” Mitra Jr., Sports Complex today. said Ramirez. “That is why

Running barefoot, the 14-year-old De Lima clocked in 2 minutes and 22.5 we need the Batang Pinoy to seconds, leaving Province’s Magvrylle Matchino in silver with 2:25.0 and give our children an avenue Pangasinan’s Ana Eugenio in bronze with 2:28.30. to learn all these good

Lheslie. who also won last year’s first gold medal at Palarong Pambansa, things.” expressed her delight in winning the first gold medal and dedicated her win to her parents ni Baao, Camarines Sur. Eagle-eyed archer Aldrener Igot, Jr. of TOM CAPTURES 1 MORE, TOTALS 4 BATANG PINOY GOLDS City delivered the worthiest Cainta, Rizal tanker Aubrey Tom swam away with another golden finish to her Batang Pinoy Finals accolade after dominating the 50-meter butterfly in today’s performance of the games swimming competition at Ramon V. Mitra, Jr. Sports Complex. after he swept all eight golds staked in the sport. The former Luzon qualifying leg triple-gold holder, marked the fastest time of 31.41 seconds ahead of silver medalist Ysabelle Jean Alcazar of Sta. Rosa’s with 33.38 seconds and Iligan’s Chelsea Mamugay with 33.42 seconds for bronze. The 14-year-old Igot is a prime example of turning The seventh-grader won in the 200m individual medley, 100m freestyle and 50m backstroke yesterday and “hopes to win more golds,” as she goes for fifth gold in opportunity to gold after the 50-meter freestyle today. coming out empty in last year’s Finals in City to DULA GOES FOR FIFTH SWIMMING GOLD, winning everything. HONORS LATE MENTOR Paranaque’s Mark Bryan Dula became one of the three swimmer to emerge as the first five-gold medal holder in the national championships of Batang Pinoy Meanwhile, Baguio here at Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex. won the team race after harvesting a 61-gold, The 12-year-old started his winning stint in the 50-meter backstroke and 100-meter freestyle on the first day of the contest, copping two more on the second day in the 45-silver and 66-bronze 50-meter freestyle and 200-meter backstroke. medal haul that mostly came from the martial arts events, In today’s contest, Mark topped the 100-meter backstroke and maked 1:8.11 seconds to complete his quintuple gold feat. including 14 in wuhsu and 10 in Muay Thai. More the victory, Dula shared that he dedicated this achievement to late mentor Susan Papa. , which was helped by Igot’s heroics, YOUNGER DARALIAY CAPTURES 3 GOLDS ended up at second with a She had reason enough to turn her back to the sport which caused her and her parents so much pain. 34-34-29 (gold-silver-bronze) harvest. However, it was the heart of an athlete which beats for the same spirit which moved her brother before her that drove Zion Daraliay to continue her career. The top five performing local government 11 year-old Zion is a member of the national juniors team and have just recently units was to receive P3m, competed in Asian Junior Wushu Championships in Brunei before she flew to Palawan for the Batang Pinoy national finals. P2.5m, P2m, P1.5m and P1m worth of sports equipment She won gold in all of her three events, dedicating everything to the memory of her brother Rastafari, who at the young age of 11 was taken from the world by a to encourage all cities, towns sad accident. and provinces in the country to form their own programs. Her parents, Vincent and Hazel, created a foundation in Rasta’s memory and gave out a “youngest athlete” award in Batang Pinoy and another in wushu. For sure, there were This family is one proof that when life throws you bricks, it is your decision to stay others who performed bruised or you use it to build a monument. beyond expectations and perhaps could turn out as one of the future stars of Philippine sports.

And for that reason, Batang Pinoy should stay.

By Joey S. Villar 11 THE PODIUM | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE PODIUM 10 hilippine Sports Commission the unity meeting. Chairman and Team Philippines Chef de Mission William I. Ramirez “As the chief of the government’s led some 300 National Athletes, sporting arm, I am heavily invested into ensuring Coaches and NSA Heads during the that whatever the situation and political climate, PUnity Meeting at the Heroes Hall of Malacañang our athletes are shielded and given the support Palace last July 24. they need to focus on their goals of victory.” added Ramirez. Unity has been the battle cry of Team Philippines, and with barely three months to The Philippines is eyeing to win the go before the country’s hosting of the 30th overall title this 30th SEAG which will be played - which happens every from November 30 to December 11 in order to two years and said to be the biggest multi-sport duplicate its feat in 2005 Manila Southeast Asian event participated by the 11 member countries Games. Ramirez was also the PSC Chief during of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that year when the country bagged its first overall (ASEAN)—unity has become so much more a championship in SEAG history with 113 gold, 84 precious necessity. silver and 94 bronze medals.

“We can keep dreaming but without Meanwhile, Senator Go called the everyone else here agreeing and putting their attention among SEA Games organizers – PSC, heads and hearts together, it will remain a dream.” POC and PHISGOC to work and plan as one in said Ramirez in his speech. order to win as one for the upcoming SEAG, “ .” said Go in his speech. CDM Ramirez and Team Philippines were joined by Executive Director Salvador Medialdea, A total of 530 events in 56 sports will be Senator Christopher Lawrence Bong Go and played during the November 30 to December 11 Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Games. Committee Chairman Alan Peter Cayetano during

By Arianne V. Mallare

13 THE PODIUM | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE PODIUM 14 Thank you, Tatay Digong!

Team Philippines all together thanked President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his unrelenting support for Philippine sports and in the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games.

n the morning of July 5, at the Philsports larangan ng sports.” Complex Multi-purpose Arena, more than 500 national athletes gathered for the There was a spontaneous round of hearty their coach into believing they ran the whole The simple gathering was capped National Team General Assembly organized applause when ES Medialdea mentioned that he B leg when all they did was splash on water from with the athletes, Chairman Ramirez and PSC by the Philippine Sports Commission to boost cancelled his trip to join the national athletes, “I just a hose to look like they were sweating from Commissioners Celia Kiram, Arnold Agustin, their spirits for their tryouts, training and preparatory want to relay to you the support of our President. He I the run. “Hindi yung coach ninyo ang na-short Charles Maxey and Ramon Fernandez joining competitions for the 30th Southeast Asian Games. is behind you para sa (laban sa) SEAG!” A. (from right) PSC Chairman William Ramirez and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea were laughing their hearts out during ninyo kundi ang sarili ninyo. Makikita sa sparring Medialdea in thanking President Rodrigo National Team General Assembly held last July 5 at the Philsports kinakapos kayo. Importante ang disiplina.” Duterte for his support with a heartfelt chant of Upon the initiative of PSC Chairman Ramirez thanked Medialdea for joining the Complex Multi-Purpose Arena in City “Thank you Tatay Digong! Thank you President Butch Ramirez, the gathering athletes that B. PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez gamely took selfies with the The athletes also sat through a (Rodrigo) Duterte!” was organized to strengthen the morning saying members of the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Basketball team. briefing on anti-doping pointers from PHINADO agency’s connection to its athletes. “I just want to relay to that “it means C. Dr. Alejandro Pineda, PHINADO head, gave athletes a briefing on anti-doping. head Dr. Alejandro Pineda and a short fashion A sincere thank you from the heart of While this General Assemblies a lot to feel show presenting the national team training our champions, and a promise of a golden SEAG are regularly held, this was mainly you the support of our and see the D. PSC formally unveiled the official parade uniforms of Team Philippines for the 30th Southeast Asian Games opening ceremonies uniform and official parade uniform for the success. EVPB aimed at showing our national government’s which will happen in November 30 at the in , . A well-known Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran SEAG designed by well-known fashion icon athletes that they have the whole care for created the said uniforms. President. Francis Libiran. country rallying behind them in sports.” He their bid for golden performances He is behind you para sa added that in the biennial meet which is hosted it is the first C by the country this year. (laban sa) SEAG!” time that a presidential “Iba ang pressure na magperform sa sarili executive secretary joined such an activity of the mong bansa,” said Ramirez, explaining that the PSC agency. recognizes the efforts of our national athletes in delivering the victories that are expected of them by Track and field legend -Posadas the whole nation, “that is why we want to show our and Olympic silver medalist Onyok Velasco took support.” turns in encouraging athletes to give their best with Muros-Posadas also reminding the athletes how lucky No less than Executive Secretary Salvador they are to have a president who supports sports. Medialdea from the Office of the President led the gathering extolling the dedication and hard work of “Napakapalad ninyo kasi si presidente D the athletes. The Executive Secretary also enjoined 100% ang suporta. Huwag ninyo pansinin ang A the athletes to focus on their problema. Huwag niyo isipin ang gulo. Focus tayo training and the forthcoming sa laban. Andito tayo sa bansa natin kaya lalong SEAG competitions. “Ilayo galingan natin. Patay kung patayan. Gigil sa kalaban, natin lahat sa mga problema wag sa opisyal,” exclaimed the athletics icon. ang lahat ng ating gagawin. Laro lang tayo. Let us win Velasco for his part highlighted the as one and patuloy natin importance of discipline in the success of an athlete. itaguyod and ating bansa sa He recalled his training days when they would fool

15 THE PODIUM | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE PODIUM 16 mpowered with the vision to make the country an avenue of sports excellence accommodation, supplies, equipment, venues, security and availability in the world, hosting the Southeast of special services. House Speaker and PHISGOC Chairman Alan Peter Asian Games for the fourth time is seen Cayetano was also present and also heeded to vital matters. He also as the genesis for the recognition of stressed that the 30th SEA Games should be a collaborative task for all Epotential in Philippine soil. Filipinos. “It is no longer about PSC, POC or PHISGOC. This is already about Team Philippines.” Striving as one body for this goal became a vivid picture during the series of meetings led by Being the Ramirez has earlier expressed how the PSC should head these the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), gathering efforts. “Being the government’s sports agency, we are expected A different agencies at some and with different national government’s to take lead in coordinating with other government agencies being sports association in others. In all of these meetings, referred to in the circular.”. PSC served as the uniting force to get everyone on track both on the country’s hosting and on our sports agency, Moreover, this also showed the effective commitment of the PSC in participation in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. communicating with government agencies along with the Philippine we are expected SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) and the Philippine One of these unity activities is one that “ Olympic Committee (POC) to deliver the best sporting event in the was initiated by none other than the Office of the to take lead in country commencing this November 30th. President through the PSC - the Interagency Meeting for the 30th SEA Games held on September 3 at the coordinating with Even before the release of the memorandum, the PSC has actively Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay coordinated with POC and PHISGOC. “The journey of the PSC, POC, City. other government and the PHISGOC has been exciting,” the sports chief said of the PSC’s partnership with the POC and the PHISGOC on this SEAG-hosting. Over 30 government agencies participated in A. PSC Chairman William Ramirez (center), Executive Director Salvador the said meeting. This was an even bigger conference agencies being Also present in the meeting are PHISGOC’s President and Chief Medialdea (left) and POC President Abraham Tolentino (right) during compared to initial meetings held. This demonstrated Operating Officer Ramon Suzara and Executive Director Tom Carrasco, the Inter-Agency Meeting in preparation for the 30th Southeast Asian the more active response of government agencies Games. referred to in the POC President Cong. Abraham Tolentino, POC Chairman Steven to Memorandum Circular No. 56, mandating Hontiveros, and POC Secretary General Atty. Edwin Gastanes. the extension of support to the “preparation, organization, and holding of the 30th Southeast Asian circular. Games.” The same memorandum circular from the Office of the President also provided that aid should be given to the aforementioned bodies in terms of Wushu’s Way of the War “procurement of necessary materials and equipment, by Jeremielle R. Valeriano provision of support services, and acceptance of hese words can be commonly Taolu routines improve the parts of the body as weapons to PSC donations, in accordance with existing laws, rules and heard from the younger strength, speed, coordination, and attack the enemy and defend the self. regulations.” Tspectators new to the art form. stamina among others. There can be Delving into its rich roots, the word individual, dual, or group exhibitions The Philippines has Wushu turns out as a more general using taolu techniques. produced a pool of wushu athletes The PSC , as the institutional body for sports term referring to martial arts. winning top spots in Asian tilts. Agatha AT THE Developed by the Chinese military in The sanda discipline, on the Wong has been a bright star in this in the country, was represented by Chairman William Ramirez. Along with PSC Commissioners, Ramon the 3rd century B.C.E. from traditional other hand, is a modern combat sport field bagging a gold and a silver medal Kung fu and modern combat which is also an offshoot of traditional in the taijiquan and taijijian categories Fernandez, Charles Maxey, Celia Kiram and Arnold techniques, it has now evolved into an wushu. This involves punching, respectively in the 2017 Southeast A Agustin, the meeting showed the support of all exhibition and a combat sport. kicking, , and kick catches. Asian Games. She was also one of the FORGING There are also defensive techniques athletes who placed in the 2018 Asian stakeholders directly involved in the conduct of the The sport has two incorporated with the martial art. Games where she copped a bronze grand sporting event. “We’ve had an inter-agency disciplines, --- taolu and sanda. in the women’s taijiquan and taijijian meeting before but this is the first time that we are The taolu forms are the routine Close to kickboxing, this is all-around. OF A gathering this many agencies at one time to ask type featuring predetermined played in a leitai, or elevated platform jumps, stances, footwork, and hand and some techniques such as locks and In the younger generation, for their support for the SEAG,” shared Chairman techniques based on principles of chokes are not allowed in competitions Zion Daraliay is a promising wushu Ramirez. the martial art. Routines are originally due to safety considerations. A match athlete who gave the sport a more created to preserve the movements can be won through landing solid meaningful light. Her winning three UNITED The Inter-agency Meeting answered particular to a bloodline or system. strikes to an opponent’s body or head. golds in this year’s Batang Pinoy Taolu routines can be performed Victory can also be earned by throwing Championships is a fruit of her love concerns raised by various government agencies bare-handed and also with weapons an opponent off or in raised platforms, for the sport and her late brother, and local units. Key officials from the Philippine as implements. pushing the competitor outside the Rastafari, who was taken from this B SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), area The sanda competition currently world by an accidental fall in his sleep In 1949, the People’s involves 11 weight categories for men right at the Wushu training hall’s FRONT A. Pinay Wushu expert Agatha Wong By Jeremielle R. Valeriano Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and the PSC Republic of endeavored to make and 7 for women. dormitory. Given her family’s loss, the snatched a bronze medal in the women’s responded to general queries while specific concerns the practice of martial arts spread at a tragic accident became the young taijiquan competition at the 2018 Asian Games in , Indonesia. were addressed in cluster meetings. national level by assigning government Sanda has variations athlete’s motivation to push through committees who could craft the forms widely-practiced today and one of with the sports supported by her B. Rastafari Daraliay’s photo during now used in competitions. those is Junshì Sanda. It is a form that family, the Wushu Federation and the the 2018 Batang Pinoy National

Championships in Baguio City. 11 year-old SPORTS IN FOCUS The concerns raised focused on is performed unarmed and utilizes all Philippine Sports Commission. Daraliay was taken from the world by a sad accident last September 2018. 17 THE PODIUM | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE PODIUM 18 hrough her years, it was apparent self-training propelled another success at the A LEGACY that what matters most is significance 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia where Tover success, and the pivotal path she she captured gold medals for the 100-meter chose to run will always be remembered in dash with 11:93 seconds, the 200-meter dash Philippine sports history. with 24:63 seconds, and the 4x100 meter relay with 48:67 seconds. DASHING DAYS for Generations On top of this, she also won a By Arianne V. Mallare Born in a small barrio in Cotabato bronze medal in the shotput event setting her on June 9, 1942, Mona Coco Sulaiman was record at 11.97 meters. the eldest of five children to father policemen Kudelat and mother Aminan Sulaiman. These historic feat` made her the he Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila

first Asian to win double golds in sprints, and and the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City have both

At the age of 15, she started the first Filipina triple gold medalist in a single played a big part in the history of Philippine Sports. representing Cotabato Elementary School year at the Asiad. T in competitions, where in one of her games, an official from the Bureau of Public She earned every right to be hailed The RMSC has been the Philippines’ national

Schools witnessed her dashing run from one as “The Fastest Woman” and “Asia’s Sprint stadium and home of Team Philippines since 1934. It has base to another. Queen.” staged many major international multi-sport events such as the 1954 Asian Games, three editions of the Southeast Running barefooted, Mona’s One year after Sulaiman had undeniable speed caught the eye of local her final Olympic stint in the 1964 edition in Asian Games in 1981, 1991 and 2005, the 3rd ASEAN Para

A coaches as she was brought to trainings and Tokyo, Japan, she set a new national record Games in 2005 and the Asian Women’s Club test events in 1957. Sulaiman was encouraged in discus throw with shotput distance of 13.6 Championship in 2006. “ to shift her sporting journey to athletics. meters; a record that stood for five years until succeeded by Josephine de la Vina in an In the National Scholastic meet in athletic meet in the in 1970. Likewise, many historic sporting events were staged , Pangasinan, a coach would recruit in PHILSPORTS. The Multi-Purpose Arena has become the her to join and enroll ROUGH ROADS home of basketball greats in the Philippine Basketball a degree in Management. After intensive Association (PBA) from 1985 until 2002. It also hosted the coaching on the varsity team, Sulaiman set It was an anticipated return for the national record for the 100-meter and Mona the following year for the 1966 Asian 2011 FIBA Asia Champions Cup and two FIVB-sanctioned “ 200-meter sprints with an astounding 11:24 Games, but her expected dominance did not tournaments such as the Asian U-23 Women’s Volleyball seconds, respectively. happen after allegations regarding her gender Championship and the Philippine Sports Commission-led were floated. People questioned Sulaiman A She did not disappoint. due to her features, build and speed. Spike for Peace International Beach Volleyball Tournament in 2015. THE GOLDEN RUN Mona reportedly opted out of the competition, refusing to take the medical test Last July, the 85-year-old RMSC went through a Three years after, Mona qualified saying it would counter her Muslim belief, as for the national track team where she other accounts explained that, “Mona was major rehabilitation. This is in anticipation of the country’s represented the Philippines at the 1960 sick, and the test was spread by malicious hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games from November Summer Olympics, also known as the ‘Games camps who were bitter over her victories.” 30 until December 11. This is very sentimental for PSC of the XVII Olympiad’ in Rome, Italy. The then 18-year-old competed in the 100-meter and Not a lot of people knew how because those facilities have never 200-meter dash and made it to the quarter this hit her. She admitted in some media A donation amounting to P842-million from finals of the tournament. interviews later on that she was deeply hurt by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation been rehabilitated in this way. the endless mocking she received. (PAGCOR) under Chairperson Andrea Domingo made Sulaiman said that after her possible the restoration of certain sports facilities in both first Olympic stint that she was“richer in FINISH LINE This is a good legacy of experience.” A learning process to say the sports complexes. least, as she incorporated the techniques of The triple-gold medalists may PAGCOR to Philippine Sports. African-American champion sprinter Wilma have ended her illustrious career abruptly, it Glodean Rudolph in making her body move was evident that what Sulaiman has achieved more efficiently for her size. brought Philippine athletics to its pinnacle.

The perfect time and season finally After years of silence, Mona came for the Cotabato-native as she would returned to sports as a formidable force of rally consecutive national records for sprint at support to younger athletes, when she was the 1961 Singapore Open with 11:37 seconds, tapped by the Philippine Sports Commission and the 1962 National Games held at the to serve as a sports consultant tasked in historic with 11:88 and monitoring the performances of national track 24:58 seconds. athletes in the 1990s. A. Aerial shots of the historical Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila and Philsports Complex in Pasig City before their renovations. In an interview, two-time Asiad Her career, achievements and discus thrower Romeo Sotto recalled these contribution to Philippine Sports was finally B. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chairperson Andrea Do- mingo (third from right) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William moments saying, “Inocencia Solis was the formally recognized when she was inducted to B Ramirez (third from left) pose with other officials during the turnover of the PHP842.5 smoother sprinter but Mona was more the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame in January By Joash David L. Ricanor “This is very sentimental for PSC because those million check to renovate sports venues such as the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Ma- powerful.” 2016. nila and the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City for the hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Indeed she was. Sulaiman’s facilities have never been rehabilitated in this way. Games last June 26, 2019. strength combined with her two years of This is a good legacy of PAGCOR to Philippine Sports.”

19 THE PODIUM | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE PODIUM 20 A.1

ARTIST PERSPECTIVE B

said Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Complex at PhilSports, umasa po kayo na sa ating Ramirez. muling pagbubukas ay masasaksihan nyo ang isang moderno at makabagong facilities na ating lalong A.2 There are six facilities that are currently in rehab pinaganda para sa paglilingkod at pagseserbisyo para inside the RMSC including the 6000-seater Ninoy Aquino sa mga atletang Pilipino. Mabuhay po tayong lahat.” Stadium which was built in 1989 and which will turn into a fully said Charlie Esquivel, PSC’s Acting Chief of Sports air-conditioned arena with new retractable seating, light and Facilities Division. sound system and LED scoreboard to make it an international standard. It will be the venue for weightlifting, taekwondo Come October 30, the historical Rizal Memorial and volleyball events of the 30th SEAG. Sports Complex and PhilSports Arena will be turning into a modern and levelled-up national sports hubs Renovation work at the pitch and track and field oval ready to serve Team Philippines and welcome the other are also in full swing in order to meet the standards set by Southeast Asian countries for the 2019 Southeast Asian the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as the venue for the Games. A.3 Men’s Football Games for the biennial meet. A. The old and the new: Artist's perspective of the rehabilitated facilities of the PSC Rizal Memorial Sports Complex shown here. Other venues that are also getting major facelifts A.1 .Philsports Complex Athlete’s Dining Hall are the 8000 seating capacity Rizal Memorial Stadium, tennis A.2 court, swimming pool facility and badminton hall. A.3 Multi-Purpose Arena Facade A.4 Badminton Hall PhilSports’ Medical Scientific Athletes Services A.5 MedicaL Scientific Athlete’s Services A.6 RMSC Tennis Court Services(MSAS) located at the Building G also had work done and was already inspected last August. The Multi-Purpose B. The frontage of the 85 year-old Rizal Memorial Sports Complex’s AND THE NEW AND Arena, track and field oval and Athlete’s gymnasium are also Track and Football Stadium where the 2014 FIFA World Cup was held. During the premiere tournament, host Philippine Azkals team sweep A.4 getting major upgrades. Sri Lanka, 4-0. The RMSC track and football stadium also hosted the 2012 and 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup Semifinals, 2014 AFC Challenge Cup “Sa ating mga kababayan at mga atletang Qualification Group E, 2017-2018 AFC Cup and Philippines Football nakaantabay sa muling pagbubukas ng Rizal Memorial Sports League and 2019 Philippine Premiere League. & The Podium. An elevated platform used by an orchestra conductor, a public speaker or a leader. A platform raised above the surrounding level to ADVISORY BOARD give prominence to the person on it like the platform of three different levels CHAIRMAN William I. Ramirez used during awarding ceremonies for athletes winning first, second and third places. COMMISSIONERS All of these definitions connect to the work we wish to accomplish as a Public Arnold A. Agustin Communications Office and as the sports agency of the government. Ramon S. Fernandez A.5 To reach out to the public and let them know about the work and mandate of the Celia H. Kiram Philippine Sports Commission (public speaker), to provide directions on sports Charles Raymond A. Maxey development (leader) and to honor the achievements of Filipino athletes. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Merlita R. Ibay We at the PSC’s “Podium” commit to doing our very best to write about inspiring stories in sports that would continue to fan the embers of sports interest in our consciousness EDITORIAL STAFF into a raging fire of sports dedication we hope to light up in your hearts. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Marc Edward D. Velasco MANAGING EDITOR WRITERS THE PODIUM is the official quarterly publication Malyn P. Bamba Chariza De Vera of the Philippine Sports Commission with editorial office Arianne Mallare at RMSC Pablo Ocampo Sr. St. Malate, Manila Philippines. 1004. Joash David Ricanor CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jeremielle Valeriano Marianne S. Abalayan Sarah Batingal Allyster Astronomo A.6 The editors welcome sports stories from contributors from all over CONSULTING EDITORS Joey Villar THE OLD THE OLD the country. Please send your articles with your name, Prof. Ed Fernandez ART DIRECTOR address and contact number to [email protected] Prof. Gemima Valderrama Christopher M. Realogio 21 THE PODIUM | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 | THE PODIUM 22