1 PSC sends help for Taal victims 3 PSC at 30 5 Women and Girls in Sport held in Sariaya Sports ICON: 7 Of Elixirs and Legends: A Magician’s Tale SPORTS IN FOCUS: 9 Skateboarding: Possible key to longtime dream of Olympic Gold A Crusade for Lives: 11 Living the “Sports in Action” against COVID-19 17 PSC’s Ramirez is PSA Executive of the Year Investing on the next generation: 20 PSC holds NSA budget hearing 21 Remembering the Sacred Flame of 1964 23 The Making of the Filipino Dream 25 Safety is a Priority of PSC Nabunturan children make new friends in 27 PSC Children’s Games program 28 PSC aids in Burauen Sports Complex renovation 29 PNG, Batang Pinoy to take place in RMSC

CONTENT DISCLAIMER Dates, events, announcements, opinions, views, and stories inside the magazine were written for the first quarter period from January to March 2020. Developments in the said stories are not covered in this issue.

ADVISORY BOARD ABOUT THE COVER CHAIRMAN The Philsports Arena Witnesses Another National Endeavor, The Greatest One Yet William I. Ramirez COMMISSIONERS Arnold A. Agustin This issue’s cover features the newly-converted Philsports Multipurpose Arena in Pasig as a medical Ramon S. Fernandez and quarantine facility for COVID-19 patients. One of the several facilities under the Philippine Celia H. Kiram Sports Commission (PSC), the arena offers a spacious, fully-furnished, and well-maintained area Charles Raymond A. Maxey suitable for accommodating the influx of suspected cases of the fatal communicable disease. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Merlita R. Ibay It is currently operational along with other newly-refurbished historical PSC facilities -- the (RMC) and the (NAS) in . The Department of EDITORIAL BOARD Health (DOH) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) supervise these facilities EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Marc Edward Velasco turned over by the PSC. MANAGING EDITOR Malyn Bamba As the pandemic continues to afflict the country, the call to help in alleviating the situation of WRITERS crowded hospitals had rung the country’s sports agency earlier, loud and clear. It involves letting its Allyster Astronomo arenas’ walls shelter the Filipinos whom they serve. Chariza De Vera Arianne Mallare Joash David Ricanor ABOUT THE PODIUM Jeremielle Valeriano CONTRIBUTING WRITER THE PODIUM. An elevated platform used by an orchestra conductor, June Navarro a public speaker or a leader. A platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to CONSULTING EDITORS the person on it like the platform of three different levels used during awarding ceremonies for Prof. Ed Fernandez athletes winning first, second and third places. Dr. Gemima Valderrama CREATIVE DIRECTOR All of these definitions connect to the work we wish to accomplish as a Public Communications Renss Realogio Office and as the sports agency of the government. To reach out to the public and let them know SUPPORTING STAFF about the work and mandate of the Philippine Sports Commission (public speaker), to provide Aijeleth Rances • Helen Rose Dato directions on sports development (leader) and to honor the achievements of Filipino athletes. Benzon Gregana • Hilario Salutim • Raoul Claro Recto

THE PODIUM is the official quarterly publication of the Philippine Sports Commission with editorial office We at the PSC’s “Podium” commit to doing our very best to write about inspiring stories in sports at RMSC Pablo Ocampo Sr. St. Malate, Manila . 1004. that would continue to fan the embers of sports interest in our consciousness into a raging fire of The editors welcome sports stories from contributors from all over the country. sports dedication we hope to light up in your hearts. Please send your articles with your name, address and contact number to [email protected] CALLED TO BE HEROES

The Philippine Sports Commission was one of the first agencies and sports bodies to indefinitely postpone its managed events in light of the COVID-19. Back in January when we were discussing this decision we eventually took, we were all weighing various factors – the impact of cancellations on our athletes’ momentum, our targets, our commitments. There were a number of reasons to take a wait-and-see stance, but we knew, where safety of our athletes and other stakeholders are at stake, we must take aggressive action.

The first quarter saw some challenges that most of us never imagined witnessing within our lifetime. With the advances that we have done, we are now forced to face isolation, lockdowns and scarcity by this invisible enemy.

But I know sports. I know the spirit that drives everyone in this community. Somehow, sports have imbued us with the ability to thrive in hardship and overcome challenges. Sports Community Show Fortitude Amid Pandemic Already, I have seen a number of our athletes taking The year 2020 seem to be aiming for Paragames Organizing Community to positive ways to spend this imposed time-out by the most “happening” year in history. We consider postponement of the games, helping out in their communities, adopting certain got off with a fiery start with the bushfires in resulting to its second postponement further groups or fundraisers to help, lending support to Australia, the deadly earthquake in Turkey down the year. The sports agency was our frontliners, being THE FRONTLINERS. Like and then of course our Mt. Taal spewing ash among the first sports bodies which took the a father to his children, my heart swells with pride after more than four decades of silence. decision, prioritizing the safety of athletes, seeing how they take the values they learned in sports participants and its employees. to the playing fields of life. Sport does change lives. It At the sport front, we clinched two takes a simple kid and turns them into champions, and more Olympic berths in the first quarter, March saw the definite actions of turns champions into heroes. courtesy of Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno, the government locking-down the National both of boxing. Our very own Chairman Capital Region in its efforts to stave off To quote a respected Theologian and a personal friend, “integrity is a critical virtue in sports. It is expressed was awarded “Executive of the Year” by the spread of the virus. in many ways as one’s honor… for the person with Philippine Sportswriters Association integrity, it is one’s participation in the event, giving By the end of the first quarter, one’s best, and the honor that matter more than We also saw the silent threat of shut-down, locked-in but never defeated, winning. ” (Alfonso P. Suico, Jr, CSsR, Virtue and COVID-19 slowly spread its dangers on our the sporting community rose to the the Ethical Problems in Competitive Sports) shores and across the globe, claiming lives occasion and found ways to be part of the and leaving a trail of death in its path. solution. A number of our athletes are at These unusual times call all of us to be heroes. the frontlines as enlisted personnel, others To be part of the solution. In this situation, The sporting community literally provided food, supplies and support for the heroism takes the face of the doctor at the shut down with events postponed medical And security personnel or their own forefront of the fight and the obedient indefinitely, among them the biggest communities. The PSC offered its venues citizen who chooses discipline over sports spectacle on earth, the 2020 Tokyo for use as temporary medical facilities for comfort to keep himself, his family and community safe. Let us take Olympics. As early as the first week COVID-19 patients. the challenge. Whether only for of February, seeing the development of our selves, our families, our coronavirus situation, the Philippine Sports This first quarter truly tested communities or our nation, let us Commission announced the indefinite the fortitude of everyone. However, the all choose to be heroes. postponement of its managed-events, like sporting community, used to overcoming the Philippine National Games, Batang challenges and imbued with a deep love for Pinoy, the 2020 National Sports Summit, country continue to show that each one is a Children’s Games, Laro’t Saya, among hero, whether on a sporting arena or in the

editorial others. It strongly advised the 10th ASEAN face of an invisible enemy. s the Philippine Sports Commission reached a milestone PSC sends help for of thirty years, the plan was to give employees a break Aand celebrate. However, mother nature planned something else.

Last January 12, Taal volcano erupted displacing about 400,000 people in Tagaytay, Batangas and other nearby areas. People were forced to leave their homes and abandon their source of living to save themselves and their families.

Following this tragic incident, PSC Chairman William TAAL I. Ramirez, with the concurrence of the agency’s Board of Commissioners initiated to donate the funds earmarked for the 30th anniversary of the agency to the victims of the volcanic eruption.

The PSC through Sacred Heart Parish Shrine in Kamuning, donated mattresses, canned goods, water bottles and clothes to the evacuees in Batangas. VICTIMSby Chariza Fe De Vera As Chairman Ramirez explained, “PSC is a matured help others and give agency where employees are happy to lend their hand and sacrifice fun to benefit those who need help. PSC employees something back. were appreciative of this humble initiative led by the PSC Board. Everyone wanted to give help and be part of the “pagbangon” I guarantee you movement of Taal.

will discover that It calls to mind a quote from famous actor Arnold Schwarzenegger --- “help others and give something back. I while public service guarantee you will discover that while public service improves “improves the lives and the lives and the world around you, its greatest reward is the enrichment and new meaning it will bring your own life”. the world around you, A Undeniably, the act of giving benefits not only the receiver A. Things donated such as water bottles, clothers, canned its greatest reward is goods and mattresses were kept at the covered court of the but more so the giver. The PSC family, not new to being part of the enrichment and Parish facing national crises as an agency, knew this only too well. B. Reynaldo Papelera and Elmer Rivera while carrying boxes new meaning it will of donations bring your own life”. Taal Eruption photo grabbed from Rappler website

B

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 1 - 2 It is one way we can pay PSC back these officials and A B employees who have been “ Commissioners Celia Kiram, Charles was only 16 when he first set foot in Filipino people. with us for decades. I am Raymond Maxey, Ramon Fernandez the historic coliseum as an athlete. and Arnold Agustin. He underscored the importance of The PSC has been relentless very thankful for your sports in the lives of people explaining in strengthening its presence in “Mabuhay po ang Philippine that “hindi lang ito sports. Ang the grassroots, following personal at unconditional love for Sports Commission. Ipagpatuloy po importante, we make a difference in instructions of President Rodrigo natin ang pagseserbisyo ng wagas.” our jobs. So, let’s work together and Duterte to bring sports to the periphery work and sacrifices for said Commissioner Kiram. hopefully magpatuloy yung swerte, at and to involve the youth. magkaroon tayo ng Olympic gold.” the agency.” “If we are all united and we In the past 30 years, the PSC PSC CHAIRMAN WILLIAM BUTCH RAMIREZ work hand-in-hand we can never go Commissioner Agustin said has developed a strong foundation wrong,” said Commissioner Maxey that he would like to encourage with its grassroots programs such as A. Chairman William Ramirez along with 16 loyalty awardees who during his speech, recalling his days as everyone “to continue working the Philippine Youth Games - Batang have been with the agency in 5, 20 and 25 years with continuous and 30by Arianne Mallare a media man visiting the Commission together to achieve our goals for Pinoy, Philippine National Games satisfactory service pursuant to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to cover. the Philippine sports!” adding that (PNG), Children’s Games, Indigenous Resolution No. 02-0295. the construction activities to uplift People’s Games, Pilipinas Para B. Awardees receive a loyalty plaque and cash gift from the PSC. legend and PSC the facilities of the commission will Games, Women in Sports, among Commissioner Ramon Fernandez continue as the board are one in their others. C. PSC officials and employees came together at the newly-refurbished could not let go of the chance to share desire to leave a lasting, practical Rizal Memorial Coliseum (RMC) to celebrate the agency’s 30th year his personal history with the RMC. He legacy to the nation’s athletes and the milestone. “30” could mean an end to a story, but the only Chairman who has served the and satisfactory service pursuant to for the Philippine Sports Commission PSC twice and led the country as the the Civil Service Commission (CSC) (PSC), it meant a start of greater Chef de Mission during both the 2005 Resolution No. 02-0295. opportunities. and 2019 (SEAG) where Team Philippines “It is one way we can pay back The PSC marked its 30th-year finished as overall champions. these officials and employees who at the newly-refurbished Rizal have been with us for decades. I am Memorial Coliseum (RMC) in Malate, “I humbly acknowledge those very thankful for your unconditional Manila last January 24. who have stood as chairman before love for work and sacrifices for the me, all who steered the PSC’s-ship agency,” Ramirez said. Instead of a fancy celebration, in the direction that they know and Chairman Butch Ramirez, along with believed in their hearts to be the best in Assistant Secretary the Board and staff, gathered for a Philippine sports. I am privileged to be Joseph Encabo of the Presidential simpler one as the PSC family decided in their ranks. Marami pong salamat Management Staff (PMS) who is a C to donate their anniversary budget sa inyong lahat.” said the 69-year-old former PSC employee joined the PSC towards helping the victims of the Mt. Chairman. family and thanked everyone for their Taal eruption. service to the country, “I think we’re The celebration was filled with not just celebrating 30 years of public To continue working Mabuhay po ang Hindi lang ito sports. If we are all united “The employees are the heartfelt gratitude from its employees service, I think it’s more than 30 years together to achieve Philippine Sports Ang importante, we and we work heart and soul of this anniversary and officials who have been with the because of the sacrifices that you have our goals for the Commission. make a difference in hand-in-hand we can celebration,” said PSC Chairman PSC for the past thirty years. rendered to the Filipino nation and “ “ “ “ Philippine sports!.” Ipagpatuloy po natin our jobs. So, let’s work never go wrong.” William Ramirez as he addressed the to the country itself - overtime, travel, COMMISSIONER CHARLES MAXEY COMMISSIONER ANROLD AGUSTIN ang pagseserbisyo together and hopefully PSC employees and staff. One of the anniversary leaving behind your families, those ng wagas.” magpatuloy yung highlights was the grant of loyalty are the additional time that you have COMMISSIONER CELIA KIRAM swerte, at magkaroon Ramirez has a special recognition to 16 permanent shared with the PSC.” tayo ng Olympic gold perspective of different times and employees for serving the agency in this year.” situations of the Commission being 5, 20 and 25 years with continuous Also present were PSC COMMISSIONER RAMON FERNANDEZ

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 3 - 4 C

one are the days when women are Over 600 participants comprised of youth, housewives limited to stay at home, confined to and senior citizens joined the four-day event featuring some of Gdoing household chores and taking the Region’s Laro ng Lahi or Indigenous Games like a tug of war, care of their children. Women in Sport say these sack race, kadang kadang sa kahoy, and egg catching. women can do more!

This after the International Olympic This is the Committee (IOC) created the Women in Sports (WIS) policy which elevates the participation of best way we women in the Games which breaks the cultural norms that sports are exclusive for men. can increase A Over the years, the IOC’s programme was adopted all over the world, including here the involvement in the Philippines. “ As an introductory activity for WIS D of women in this year, the Philippine Sports Commission Women (PSC) organized “Women and Girls in Sport” last February 6 to 9 held in the Municipality of Also included in the program were basketball and sports in the Sariaya in Quezon Province. volleyball games, as well as Zumba.

The activities were part of the National “I’m hoping that what we are doing in women in sports country.” and will be done all over the country to give a chance for more women Women’s Month Celebration in March which aimed to promote equity among women that to feel the joy in playing. Sport is for all,” said Commissioner helped them improve self-esteem, social Kiram. relationships and to stand as independent Girls in individuals, and future leaders of society. The women and girls in sports were also made possible by the local government of Sariaya, Quezon headed by Mayor “This is the best way we can increase Marcelo Gayeta who showed full support and very hospitable to the involvement of women in sports in the all his guests. A. Women in Sports oversight PSC Commissioner Celia country,” said Women in Sports oversight PSC Kiram delivered an inspiring message to the people of Sport Commissioner Celia Kiram. Mayor Gayeta and his team were very cooperative, who provided the local transportation for all the participants Sariaya, Quezon in her welcome speech. and made sure that a standby medical team and ambulance for B. Women and girls showed how strong they are in emergencies were available. held in playing the tug-of-war “This is the first time that Sariaya, Quezon hosted this C. Over 600 participants joined the PSC’s Women kind of event and we are beyond grateful to have helped them and Girls in Sport held in the Municipality of Sariaya, start their sports program for women. We hope, it will continue Quezon last February 6 to 9. and progress as we come back here in the future,” Kiram said. Sariaya D. The PSC also donated sports equipment to the city Meanwhile, the PSC also donated sports equipment to government of Sariaya to help them start in developing by Arianne Mallare the city government of Sariaya to help them start in developing their sports and wellness program. their sports and wellness program. B

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 5 - 6 distinction in 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007, na pwede dahil yung mga bata ngayon and 2010. ang gagaling bumreak. Magagaling din “Hindi ko alam na idol niya ako. He also represented the country in the mag jump cue. Kasi sa atin dati, bawal Hindi ko rin alam, tinalo niya ako e,” he Southeast Asian Games and the Asian ang jump cue,” he shared. humbly said. He followed up by explaining Games and finished with a combined his waning skill, brought by age. total of six bronze medals in his stint as a It can be noted that the three SPORTS ICON national athlete. American players he mentioned were the “Dapat pwedeng mag gold, kaya same toughest opponents he had named lang syempre mahirap manalo. Ngayon But this legend, sitting across us, before. Jose “Amang” Parica, on the other mahirap na manalo dahil sa haba ng Of Elixirs and Legends: did not utter a single word about his being hand, is another homegrown pool legend (panahon) na hindi na naglalaro tsaka hailed as the “greatest player who ever who started the “Filipino Invasion” of pool wala na yung pulso,” he said with a bit of existed.” He instead told us how it seemed players in the west. sadness in his eyes. as if the wind just blew all the luck in his A Magician’s Tale direction, including being called “The The great Efren “Bata” Reyes The crowd seemed a little shaken Magician,” a monicker he is called across further kept it honest and low on how from with his confession. It was not the first by Jeremielle Valeriano the globe. his countless victories and prize monies, time that he explained what his blurring he is not yet rich. He also shared that his eyesight and aching back had changed favorite match is not in his performance. It is just painful for a “Tinawag na “Sa lahat din ng the one where he generation to see their hero come down akong “The pocketed the biggest from his pedestal. nside the port area in Manila, we legend Efren “Bata” Reyes while scratching years and this is imbued with experiences Magician” cash prize, i.e., The went looking for a man in his 60s his head, sending the crowd inside the hall he fondly recalled from his juvenile days kase bawat gustong maging Efren Color of Money, but But the legend lives on. Iwho recently woke the dormant giant into laughter. up to the height of his career. batuhin ko the match which heart of the Filipinos for a sport deeply raw, meron Bata Reyes, kailangan opened doors for He sees the future in our young interwoven in the fabric of our identity. Whenever asked to give a “Nung bata po ako dumadayo silang him and fellow pool players and is open to coaching them. glimpse of how his star came to be, he ako kung saan-saan kahit na nung napuupulot lang laging malakas Filipinos. “Ay siyempre. Trabaho rin yun e. Kamukha It might have taken the 30th always responded vaguely, and the light nag-aaral ako. Hanggang ngayon sa akin na ngayon na may mga training kami kaya Southeast Asian Games for us to see him smile he wears tells you there is no formula maraming nakakakita sa akin at kahit iba-ibang tira. ang katawan niyo, “Yung lang ginagawa yung training center in action again, but once he started hitting you can adapt – there are, however, few sa iba-ibang probinsya nakilala ako na Nagkakataon pinakamemorable namin,” he said. the cue ball, we knew as a nation how vital values you can take. marunong ako kaya pinupuntahan nila lang ‘yun na panalo ko, much we have loved the man and the sport ako at nilalaban nila ako sa iba’t ibang dahil pag wag gumamit ng mga pinakamaganda sa It seemed quite amusing that a he had mastered his entire life. Efren “Bata” Reyes came lugar dito sa Pilipinas. Dumadayo kami napoposisyon lahat nung manalo talented athlete like him admitting his own from a brood of nine and is the second kung saan-saan,” he shared. lang sa bagay na makakasama ako ng 1999, World star’s dimming finished a rack of balls It can be said that Filipinos have youngest. Poverty pushed him to leave his bola. ‘Pag Pool Championship. easily afterward – without even trying. a penchant for legends, but he had always family in Angeles, at the age The young Efren Reyes explored napuntang sa katawan niyo. Dahil dun sa World Genius does become too powerful when held a place much more special than the of five to live with his uncle in Manila. The the whole archipelago playing for both ganon, Pool Championship coupled with hardwork, that it becomes status itself. It may be his humble smile, his pool room his uncle owned served as his large and small crowds until no one wanted obligado ka sa Cardiff, Wales natural like breathing. genius that the world could not explain, or training ground as a player. He became to challenge him. At the age of fifteen, he lang tirahin Mag-ensayo kayo noong 1999, doon his one-of-a-kind story reminding us that delighted with how money flowed in during was already at the peak of his abilities, and ‘yung ganun. naging popular ang He, too, wanted to have more we too, can dream. matches and soon taught himself basic upon reaching twenty, he knew he needed Dahil nung palagi. O kung mga billiards kase dati talents to rise and exceed what he has shots which he learned from skilled players to explore outside his pond. ginawa ko yun, hindi naman kilala made of himself. His humility seems to As we searched every street, we in his Uncle’s pool den. mahirap din bata man kayo, ang billiards kahit spring from having certain confidence in had thoughts if we would see him, but “Nung bente anyos ako, tingin yung placing, na saang, kahit na what he is and what he is capable of doing. luckily, we had asked a random bystander His best shots, however, came ko wala ng mananalo sa akin kahit mahirap kailangan pag-aaral dito sa Asia, kahit Greatness is not afraid of competition. He from the area who simply replied, “Oo, from his observation of weaker players – a napapanood ko na sa video, lahat ng ipahulog,” he dun sa Middle East, believes that young athletes can carve dito naglalaro si Champ.” lesson we can only learn from him. magagaling,” he honestly told us. jested. hindi kilala. Kaya out their paths just as he did, leaving a His humble muna.” lang sila naglaro message: The pool hall was well-lit and “Basta ang ginaya ko nung After beating every pool prodigy demeanor, ng billiards dahil situated in a hard-to-find alley. We naistambay ako ng bilyaran dun sa tiyuhin out there, he opted to go overseas and refusing to embrace the title “great” in nalaman nila meron nang naglalaro nang “Sa lahat din ng gustong maging expected the address he gave us to lead us ko, marami akong nakikitang naglalaro, cemented his status to be the first-ever him, spoke volumes of his character and ganon,” he said grinning. Efren Bata Reyes, kailangan lang laging to a furnished place in the city’s posh area, merong marunong, merong hindi. Ang player to claim World Championships in the era he lorded over when he recounted malakas ang katawan niyo, wag gumamit yet there we were standing upon a rather ginagaya ko lang ay yung mga tinitira ng two different pool disciplines. the great players he had played with and His phone rang right after. We ng mga bagay na makaksama sa katawan simple lounging area with three or four mga hindi marunong. Tapos yung mga how the new breed of players today are overheard his conversation with his son niyo. Mag-ensayo kayo palagi. O kung pool tables in a row and some bystanders. simpleng tira, ginagaya ko yung magaling. Reyes’ records can put the trophy extremely talented as well. which he shared afterward. mga bata man kayo, kailangan pag-aaral We found him in a corner immersed in Pero mas marami ako nalaman sa mga case of any other living Filipino pool player “Tumatawag na ‘yung anak ko, may laro muna.” a chess match. He was wearing a plain, hindi marunong,” he shared. to shame “Marami akong nakalaban dito pa kasi ako mamayang alas-sais. E sabi unironed shirt, faded jeans, and slippers. sa Pilipinas, tingin ko medyo maganda ko may interview pa ako ngayon, ang As we wrapped up our As more and more people He has won over 70 international laban ko noon dito sa atin. Nung kulit,” he said. conversation, his aura immediately His hair is graying – telling us entered the pool hall, silence occupied titles -- the 8-Ball Championship four nagkaroon ng tournament ang bilyar, changed. He is supposed to play another an icon can get old, but as he flinched his the area until the man with the cue stick times, the US Open thrice, World Pool pinakamabigat kong kalaban si Mike He was using an old 3310 Nokia match so his eyes grew focused and timid finger to move a pawn, we saw the undying was the only one to be heard. The two League twice, and the 1999 WPA World Sigel kaya lang huminto kaagad yun. phone, and our questions about why he again. eyes that made him a world champion. bystanders, who nearly scuffled each other Pool 9-Ball Championship. When he won Ang kalaban niyang mortal dati dun sa rarely replied to our multimedia messages because of a misunderstanding during the 1994 US Nine Ball Championship, Amerika ay si Earl Strickland. Dito naman before the interview were answered. The If he won the match again, we do “Walang gumagaling sa turo, their game, were tight-lipped and were he made history again by being the first ang kalaban ko ay si Amang Parica. Magician is no techie. not know. It is certain, however, that inside kailangan ‘yung sarili mo mismo. Hindi holding their camera phones recording the non-American to win the tournament. Kaming dalawa magkalaban dati dito the pool halls in the streets of Manila, ko alam kung bakit ako naging ganito, moment. Getting called “Champ” has its noon. Pero nung huminto si Mike Sigel, We proceeded to ask him about the Magician lived his life and continues nagtagumpay. Hindi ko alam magiging perks, such as the respect bestowed upon The Derby City Classic, a known ang pumalit sa kanya sila Johnny Archer, his experience playing the carom category to roam it, as if guiding apprentices and popular dito ang sport na ‘to dahil nung you by people you do not personally know, annual pocket billiard event in the United dumating sila Johnny Archer, pagtapos ni in the recent Southeast Asian Games. The waiting for the one worthy to tread the path araw maraming binabawal dito pati mga making all the hardwork worth it. States, is another tournament Reyes Johnny Archer, si Shane Van Boening na, curiosity about how a legend felt that his he blazed. magulang, binabawalan tayo rito, lahat reigned over, notably 14 times. Adding to mga bata na, mga sumulpot. Yung mga competitor looked up to him filled the ng mga naglalaro na bata,” said billiards His career spans more than 50 this, he had copped the Master of the Table skill na ginagamit ng magagaling, hindi room.

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 7 - 8 Asian Games gold medal, nagkaroon ng awareness ang mga Pilipino na ang skateboarding ay isang legitimate sport. Lalo na ngayon na first time itong nakasama bilang Olympic sport sa Tokyo 2020.” said the SRSAPI chief.

Aside from elevating the popularity and level of the sport in the country, the respect of the foreign counterparts for the Filipino skaters is also given to us now after Didal’s feats.

Even the support from the national government is now pouring in for the local skaters. “Nagkaroon na ng support coming from the government FUTURE OF SKATEBOARDING IN THE PHILIPPINES by Arianne Mallare through the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC),” said Mendigoria. Filipinos can really excel in skateboarding, especially that the sport does not need height or a specific kind of built WHERE IT ALL STARTED SKATEBOARDING IN THE PHILIPPINES PH SKATERS HIT A MILESTONE IN 2019 SEAG – any skateboard athlete can represent the country. Skateboarding is one of Skateboarding in the and Roller Sports Association the extreme sports which is typically Philippines used to be just a of the Philippines, Inc. (SRSAPI), Skateboarding was one of the 56 sports hosted “All you need to have is the heart of a champion to be played in the streets. This sport simple street sport or considered shared that skateboarding here by the country during the 30th Southeast Asian Games a donor of achievements for the country,” said Mendigoria. requires stance, balance, focus as a hobby for local skaters. “started in the streets and then held from November 30 to December 11 last year. Currently, the SRSAPI has 16-man Philippine national pool and most of all – determination of it was introduced by a soft drink With a full backing and cheering from the home members. a skater. The skateboarders were company when they brought crowd in Tagaytay City, the Filipino skaters dominated commonly addressed as “mga international athletes here to the events and brought pride and glory to the host Despite this, the skateboarding NSA regularly goes There is a theory that pasaway ng kalsada” because perform. And then some of the Philippines. around the country to discover more homegrown talents says “skateboarding began in the they are often seen on the streets, kids way back then - including that will, later on, be the future champions representing the 1940s on the west coast of the public parks, and even barred in me, got interested in imitating the The first-ever Philippine Skateboarding team Philippines in the world stage. USA when the metal wheels were private establishments for bringing sport,” said Mendigoria. won 6 out of 8 gold medals at stake in the sport, with attached to a narrow wooden skateboards with them while 11 years later, the International a bonus of 4 silvers, and 1 bronze medal of the meet “We are going into the grassroots program, with board.” doing special tricks and stunts Olympic Committee (IOC) held December 3 to 8. the help of the PSC, we can start planting seeds of those like jump-packed slides, glides, announced that they will be athletes to be in the future roster of the national team,” said There are different backside tricks, and 360-degree including skateboarding – street Foreign teams from Indonesia settled for 2nd Mendigoria. styles of skateboarding: turns – causing damages to public and park events at the 2020 Tokyo overall with 1 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals. street skateboarding, park and private properties. Summer Olympic Games. The Followed by the Malaysian team with 1 gold and Given the continuous and proper support from the skateboarding, vert skateboarding, skateboarding could finally get its 1 bronze, and Thailand with 1 silver and 3 bronze national government and private sectors, with the backing freestyle skateboarding, downhill Monty Mendigoria, a own identity as a roller sport. medals to placed last among 4 participating nations. of the Filipino skateboarding community, as well as the skateboarding, cruising, and former skater and founding collaboration, hard work, patience and sincere heart of every others. President of the Skateboarding After showing dominance and great hosting in sport officials, Filipino skateboard athletes could really reach the last SEA Games, the world governing body saw the the peak of their goals – with proper training, discipline, and THE BREAKTHROUGH DIDAL MADE EVERY FILIPINO PROUD potential for the Philippines to host another huge event prayers, skateboarding is the one of most capable sports to like the 2020 World Cup of Downhill Skateboarding win the elusive Olympic gold medal for the Philippines in the In 2018, a 19-year-old Didal’s achievements opened doors of opportunities for set from April 14 to April 16 in Maragondon, Cavite. skateboarder from Cebu City fellow Filipino skaters who also have the potential and skills, to future. named Margielyn Didal made glide for their own names in the skateboarding scene, here and This is another milestone for the Philippines as history as the first skater in abroad. the first country in Asia to host such a premier event. the Philippines to compete in the prestigious Street League After her debut in London, Didal also “The Philippines will be the first Asian country Skateboarding (SLS) Pro Open competed in the 2018 X Games in Minneapolis to host the World Cup, where more than 100 countries, held in London, England where Minnesota, USA. including world champions, are expected to participate only top skaters in the world were in the prestigious competition. So, it’s really big invited to join. After Didal’s consecutive honor for us,” said International Downhill Federation We are going into the performances in the last two prestigious President Carl Sambrano, who was also recently Though it was her first competitions, it became a driving factor for elected as president of the SRSAPI. grassroots program, time to compete internationally, the Cebuana skateboarding superstar to bring Didal managed to place 4th in home the gold medal in the women’s street skate with the help of the the eliminations and was able to event of the 18th Asian Games held in Palembang, advance into the medal round Indonesia. PSC, we can start finishing 8th overall among 12 planting seeds of those best female skaters worldwide. It was a historic breakthrough performance of Didal since it was the first time that skateboarding was athletes to be in the After that win, the included in the Asiad. “ rest is history for Philippine future roster of the skateboarding. “During that time when Margielyn Didal won the Background photo from Margielyn Didal’s Facebook Account national team.” THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 9 - 10 Olympic Games and the international the resumption of UAAP Season 82 community,” the IOC said in a Palarong Pambansa which was can no longer be met. As such it is statement. originally scheduled to take place this now deemed canceled,” the UAAP May featuring elementary and high announced in a statement. A Crusade for Lives: This also entailed changes in school students was also delayed. Living the “Sports in Action” against COVID-19 the national team’s bid for the Games Officials are proposing its cancellation The National Collegiate since Olympic qualifying tournaments to ensure the safety of its participants Athletic Association (NCAA) also by Jeremielle Valeriana have also been postponed, with some and the public. halted its 95th season to join the effort already canceled. Athletes undergo in curbing the spread of COVID-19. the same quarantine procedures and The University Athletic those training in countries with travel Association of the Philippines (UAAP) The Philippine Basketball restrictions have been prohibited from also decided to cancel its 82nd season Association (PBA) also had to postpone returning to the Philippines. in early April, a first for the league due all its games and shorten its 45th to a communicable disease. season to two conferences instead of As international sports three. A single conference is also in calendar adjustments affect us, local “With the Enhanced sight if the health crisis continues to sporting events also responded to the Community Quarantine (ECQ) having persist. risk of virus transmission. been extended, the conditions for

ur streets are tranquil, doors are closed, now and then military and police vehicles pass by, and if there would be AN OVERVIEW OF THE COUNTRY’S PLIGHT The ECQ guidelines direct all government people, their faces are covered leaving only their eyes to be seen. instrumentalities to (a) suspend the classes and school From the first set of isolated cases, the country soon activities in all levels, public and private, (b) prohibit mass O fell victim to the Novel Coronavirus’ insidious capabilities. gatherings, (c) implement strict home quarantine in all More than a month ago, the Philippines was compelled to halt its largest island’s grind, in order to save lives. The number of infected people escalated day-by-day, and households, with movement strictly limited to accessing The economy slowly goes into an unbalanced tilt with the treasury having almost nothing to show on its income ledger and the level of transmission has become localized. As furthered basic necessities, (d) adopt a work-from-home arrangement almost every peso going out. The country is badly hit on many fronts. Sports, not an exception, was one of the agencies contact tracing revealed the scope of transmission, in the Executive Branch except for PNP, AFP, PCG, and which responded. precautionary measures did not seem to have a stand in other emergency frontline services, (e) allow only private the growing number of cases and fatalities. establishments providing basic necessities to operate, (f) The country’s sporting world, just like the global sports community, had to do its fair share in this war against a vicious halt public mass transportation, and (g) restrict land, air, invisible enemy. This advancing communal spread of COVID-19 and sea travel. compelled the Department of Health (DOH) into CRUCIAL CHOICES workshops were also postponed. Paralympic Committee.

What once started as an outbreak in “Yesterday morning, the The most prestigious Games the city of Wuhan, Hubei, China in board discussed the current situation, in sports history slated for this year in December last year has progressed to and we have decided that we are Tokyo, Japan was also postponed to afflict Europe, the Americas, Southeast postponing major events of the PSC a later date. Tokyo Summer Olympics Asia, Africa, and the Western Pacific as a safety measure against the Novel was supposed to commence on July and Eastern Mediterranean regions. Coronavirus. We are postponing 24 and end on August 9 this 2020, but all of these including our Children’s earlier this year, concerns have been The Philippines has Games all over the country, except raised over the threat of the Novel unfortunately entered the list of nations for small activities Coronavirus. In adding to the confirmed cases and like Coaches’ the latter part death toll globally. education, of March, the consultative International The Philippine Sports meeting, because Olympic Commission (PSC), as the country’s we are avoiding Committee (IOC) sports arm, was one of the agencies bigger assemblies decided to delay which responded early, acting on it as of people for fear the quadrennial early as February when the virus has of the time,” said games to 2021. just started to spread outside mainland Ramirez during the recommending the raising Code Red Sublevel Two (2), photo from DEXEX.COM / Eloisa China. press briefing. “In the present the highest level of national response management. This circumstances prompted the Chief Executive into issuing Proclamation no. This is a follow-up to the earlier imposition of the In a press conference held The PSC and based on 929, s. 2020, declaring a State of Calamity in the country. ECQ in NCR in order to intensify efforts of curbing the at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on also recommended the information spread of the deadly virus. February 6th, PSC Chief William the postponement provided by the The whole of Luzon, including the densely Ramirez announced the agency’s of the 10th WHO today, the populated National Capital Region (NCR), is placed under The Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) through the decision to put on hold all of its ASEAN Paragames (APG) to the IOC President and the Prime Minister an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) starting March DOH was also designated to disseminate information to activities involving masses of people Philippine Paralympic Committee. of Japan have concluded that the 16 where “all government agencies and local government the public “on the steps and measures to be undertaken attending. This included Batang The biennial multi-sport event for Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo units (LGUs) [are] to render full assistance and cooperation relative to the COVID-19 situation during the ECQ for the Pinoy, Philippine National Games, the differently-abled was eventually must be rescheduled to a date beyond with each other and to mobilize the necessary resources to entire Luzon.” Children’s Games, and the National shelved for October this year by the 2020 but not later than summer eliminate the threat posed by COVID-19.” Sports Summit 2020 supposed to be APG Organizing Committee after 2021, to safeguard the health of the On March 16, President Rodrigo Duterte expressed held in the same month. Seminars and consultation with the International athletes, everybody involved in the

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 11 - 12 the government’s growing concern over the COVID-19 policies to the sportsmen under its care. pandemic and the most effective measure they can employ to combat it. “Noong mga first week of March, bago nag-lockdown po tayo, nakita na namin iyong possibility “Beyond our borders, the whole world has been and, you know, it’s not easy to manage 1,000 national Ninoy Aquino Stadium shaken by the spread of this disease. At first, it was China athletes. So we advise the athletes na umuwi muna sa and the East Asian region, which is still in the midst of the kanilang mga lugar, mga probinsiya. At pangalawa, crisis as we speak. But now, according to the World Health mina-manage din natin iyong mga atleta na nasa iba’t Organization, the epicenter has shifted to Europe. ibang bansa – sa Japan, Italy, United States. So ang naiwan pong mga atleta ngayon sa PhilSports Arena – Wala rin tayong magawa. Alam mo we want to do may mga 30 athletes po, dalawang foreign coach at saka business, we want to make money, we want to move but apat na Filipino coaches, so pinapakain po namin dito, there is no interaction now and there is no trade to speak inaalagaan po. Mayroon kaming medical organization of and there are no flights going out, in, and for you to do sa Philippine Sports Commission, nag-aaruga sa kanila,” business. In other words, if you go there, you are alone and related Chairman Ramirez in the same virtual press briefer please understand that we are talking to you honestly and held on April 8. PSC Facilities as COVID-19 in good faith,” he said. quarantine areas: The Athletes’ allowances are also continuously given Ninoy Aquino Stadium “To address this crisis, I placed the entire country and the PSC’s Medical Scientific Athlete Services (MSAS) (NAS), Rizal Memorial under a State of Public Health Emergency,” concluded the provides medical and psychological support to them during Coliseum (RMC), and Chief Executive. these times. Philsports Multipurpose Arena were converted to The country moved to implement this on the The PSC also found ways to contribute to varied COVID-19 treatment areas same day that the WHO, holding daily press conferences efforts in this crisis like providing mattresses to the University in order to decongest hospitals. These facilities in relation to COVID-19, called for nations to take a of the Philippines- Philippine Genome Center testing facility have a 112, 120, and “comprehensive approach” in this global health crisis. volunteers, different hospitals and the Research Institute 156-bed capacities for Tropical Medicine; donation of rice sacks to nearby Rizal Memorial Coliseum respectively. A firmer hand seems to be the only befitting tool to barangays of its two main facilities – Rizal Memorial Sports get a grip of this national health threat – and this points Complex in Manila City and the Philsports Complex in Pasig to us, working closely together. City.

Sports, as part of the country’s lifeblood, needed to THE RMSC AND PHILSPORTS – ALWAYS IN SERVICE OF rechannel its efforts to our countrymen who need its service THE FILIPINOS in these extraordinary times. The newly renovated Rizal Memorial Sports SPORTS IN ACTION Complex (RMSC) and PhilSports Complex had served as the cradles of various sporting events in the country, with The PSC went to action immediately, not only in the staging of the 30th Southeast Asian Games as the most securing its stakeholders and employees but also, beyond recent one. preventing the spread of the deadly disease, into helping the hospitals cope by offering its facilities for use as temporary These historical venues have witnessed the nation’s COVID-19 medical facilities. rallying behind our athletes -- and this time will shelter inside its walls its countrymen whom it serves. In a virtual press briefer led by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary The PSC has turned over said facilities to the Martin Andanar, PSC Chairman Wiliam Ramirez shared how Department of Health and the Department of Public Works the sports agency saw the need to offer the Rizal Memorial and Highways (DPWH) for its conversion into quarantine Sports Complex in Manila and PhilSports Complex in Pasig facilities. The Rizal Memorial Coliseum (RMC) has been City. inspected by DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III and is expected to receive mild and asymptomatic patients Philsports Arena “Before that Secretary, mga last week of February first week of April. It has a 112-bed capacity and will be and the first week of March, with the development of the receiving cases from and adjacent regions. coronavirus all over the world, napag-usapan na namin iyan sa Komisyon na baka the possibility of using our According to the DOH, the RMC will be managed facilities. Kasi nakita namin sa Europe na ginagamit iyong by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed mga gym. So iyon, so I called out Executive Secretary Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with support coming from Medialdea na available po itong Rizal Memorial Sports the DOH healthcare workforce. The PNP Medical Corps Complex, iyong PhilSports Arena. So halos tapos na iyong who will man the RMC quarantine center will be “initially Multi-purpose Arena Secretary at balak pang gawin na composed of about three (3) doctors, five (5) to 10 nurses, iyong Rizal Stadium at saka itong PhilSports Arena sa Ultra, and 20 medical staff. Three alternating teams will be taking Pasig,” said the PSC Chief. a 7-day straight duty and 14 days off-duty, in compliance with DOH policies.” The agency, in charge of the country’s pool of athletes, is also instrumental in carrying out the ECQ’s “The Rizal Memorial Coliseum is a model for other

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 13-14 CHARTING OUR COURSE IN THIS PANDEMIC

“But let us make no mistake. We are in the fight of our lives. We are at war against a vicious and invisible enemy, one that cannot be seen by the community quarantine facilities like the naked eye. In this extraordinary war, we Philippine International Convention are all soldiers. Center, the World Trade Center, and the in ,” shared Lahat po tayo ay sundalo sa Secretary Duque in a press release by digmaang ito. Bata man o matanda, the DOH. lalaki o babae, bawat Pilipino, anumang estado sa buhay, ay maituturing na The PSC has also offered the sundalo sa digmaan na ito. Of course, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial the formalities of our doctors, health Baseball Stadium, Rizal Memorial Track professionals and health workers, to Oval, football stadium, PhilSports Arena, whom we will forever be thankful,” Members of the Philippine Air Force to be stationed and PhilSports Track Oval as additional expressed President Duterte during The at the newly-converted Rizal Memorial Sports facilities to be used by COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force meeting on the Complex for COVID-19 patients. patients and medical frontliners in this Coronavirus Disease 2019. time of national health crisis. A cure is yet to be discovered “Sa panahong ito, in these and clinical tests are currently ongoing trying times, I think both government in various parts of the world. The wait and private would like to contribute to for the potential drug is a race to rescue the solution on this Coronavirus. So we lives and every hour, more and more are trying to contribute the facilities at succumb to the disease. While this Rizal Memorial Sports Complex at saka global war against the virus is going in dalawa sa Philsports para magkakaroon waves, we must put our guard up not ng COVID testing areas, quarantine sa letting it afflict us further. mga mild, at saka para madecongest na rin yung ating mga ospital. So the Heeding to this call is a share PSC thought that we can really help that Filipinos should do if we wish to President Rodrigo Duterte addressing the nation decongesting the hospitals,” conveyed see a tomorrow where the disease is no last April 6 where among the areas discussed were more a threat to us. Chairman Ramirez in a phone-patch the possible realignment of the 2020 budget, the interview with Radyo Pilipinas 1. mobilization of the Bayanihan Act to help the needy, and the government’s call for cooperation and PSC joins this national crusade understanding to Filipinos with high hopes for solidarity and compassion among our countrymen. HEROES WILL BE HEROES photo from PCOO Facebook Page

Overcoming challenges is second nature to our sports men and women THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL --this difficult challenge included. The COVID-19 had taken from us more than Our national athletes, forced to take a time-out from their daily trainings what we can imagine as a nation. There are, however, to ensure their safety, did not let time pass idly by, finding ways and means to be unbreakable bonds that hold us together as Filipinos, seen productive and of help. in the way we help, heal, and hope for each other’s welfare in these trying times. With the help of technology, some of the teams have managed to train “together” connected via video conferencing, like the Waterpolo team. “We have to contribute to the fight. Lahat tayo Others either followed online instructions of their coaches to train inside their may contribution, ako, ikaw. Lahat tayo magbigay ng homesteads. kanya-kanyang ano --- well, gift to the government and that is by obeying the laws, obeying the regulations,” asked Many found ways to raise funds to help towards supporting frontliners President Duterte in one of his addresses to the nation. by providing food, supplies, masks, Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) and other necessities to help those at the frontlines of this fight. In this warfare, where the lethal enemy sees no social class, affiliation, age, or any dividing factor we had And then of course there are those who were called to the frontlines as put upon ourselves, we have to be one in mind and action enlisted personnel. Around 95 national athletes are enlisted with the Philippine to win over this. National Police and the different branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Many of them have now taken up their places in different posts. It is with every doctor, nurse, military personnel, firefighter, front desk operator, sanitation staff, food vendor, PSC’s frontline workers on-duty at the RMSC in Manila and banking employee – and even a normal citizen where our Our sports heroes continue to be true to their calling of being champions. Philsports, Pasig composed of medical, security, Truly, heroes will be heroes. photo from Agatha Wong Facebook Account future rests. It is in the hands of each and every Filipino. an commissary personnel. THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 15-16 But sometimes, the achievements have become too great for them to be simply brushed aside, especially if history repeated itself under his watch and then legacy has been cemented.

The overall title of Team Philippines in the SEA Games last year was a repeat act of 2005 when Chairman Butch also led the country to its first overall SEAG championship as CDM and head of the PSC.

With his visionary leadership, Ramirez altered the landscape of Philippine sports as evidenced by those two overall SEA Games championships with the athletes and coaches.

It was a triumphant feat that hopefully would translate into a first gold medal for the Philippines in the coming Tokyo Olympics. by Jun Navarro

hen Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez climbed onto the stage during the recent Philippine WSportswriters Association Awards Night, he had no intention of celebrating this momentous occasion at the Manila Hotel all by himself.

Chairman Butch called on his fellow PSC board members— Commissioners Ramon Fernandez, Charles Maxey, Celia Kiram and Sports doesn’t Arnold Agustin—to join him in savoring the moment as he received the PSA’s Executive of the Year accolade. only speak about

``It was a collective effort with the other five deputy CDMs winning and (chefs de mission),’’ said Ramirez, the chief architect of the country’s recent overall title conquest in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in his gold“ medals. capacity as Team Philippines chef de mission. It also speaks The four PSC Commissioners were the deputy CDMs that helped Ramirez map out the blueprint of success in the SEA Games, along with taekwondo official Stephen Fernandez. about virtues,

“There were a lot of challenges and sacrifices of about character people who worked together to achieve a common goal,’’ said Ramirez. “This is one discipline in the whole world where people and about can work together despite their differences.’’ discipline--values Chairman Butch likewise commended the top officials of the Philippine Olympic Committee headed by its president, Cavite congressman Abraham “Bambol’’ Tolentino, for its solid which are partnership with the PSC, particularly during the country’s SEAG hosting. fundamental for

Such is the self-effacing nature of Chairman Butch. He our parents and possesses a humble demeanor in the sense that he prefers to stay in the background and give credit and train the spotlight on all the leaders.” people involved in any form of triumph he has accomplished.

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 17-18 INVESTING ON THE NEXT GENERATION: PSC holds NSA budget hearings by Joash David Ricanor

ost countries want to be able and effective grassroots program, they to perform competitively help us carry out our mandate to make Mduring international sports accessible to every Filipino, and sporting events. However, the ability to develop a strong citizenry, not to to compete stems from strong mention creating a deep pool from training programs and accessibility which elite sports could cull their future to youth sport (Relationships, 2006). stars,” said Ramirez on the first day of the annual budget hearings held at the PSC A Since its formation in 1990, Administrative Bldg., Malate, Manila. the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has been the catalyst of change on By virtue of Republic Act both grassroots sports development 6847, the PSC is mandated to exercise and “Sports for All” programs designed supervisory and visitorial powers over for all sectors of the community. the national sports associations, in connection with their sports promotion To make it happen, the PSC and development programs with respect started discussing partnership on to which financial assistance is extended the grassroots by the Commission. B sports programs “We want to help the NSAs of various on their own grassroots “Last year, “It was a collective effort with the other five deputy CDMs (chefs de mission)” national sports we managed to associations for sports programs for the conduct training Winning those gold medals in international meets, people through sports has become consistently visible in 2020, in a series country. When they conduct and sports clinics however, is just a portion of what Ramirez really wanted to peaceful communities, as well as in conflict-marred areas of consultations across Luzon, achieve as the nation’s sports chief. in the country. on their budget a strong, and effective Visayas and requirements grassroots program, they Mindanao from The real gold, according to Ramirez, was to create These efforts gave equal opportunities to people last February 4. our own pockets. C a healthy, vibrant and educated citizenry by bringing in from all walks of life, regardless of culture and religion, help us carry out our We thank the On top PSC for this new Despite his hectic schedule, more people and children into sports. including indigenous peoples. of the agencies mandate to make sports development the sports agency chief made it a growing grassroots accessible to every Filipino, in helping fund point to be present in the budget “Sports don’t only speak about winning and gold “If most of our leaders around the world, in our programs like the promoting meetings recognizing the importance medals. It also speaks about the virtues, about character country, in our community embrace discipline and integrity, Children’s Games and to develop a strong our sports in of discussing issues and requirements and about discipline – values which are fundamental for we will be very prosperous,’’ said Ramirez, a former and Batang Pinoy, citizenry, not to mention the country,” with the different sports leaders. “We our parents and leaders,’’ said Ramirez. athlete, coach and educator before transforming into a PSC Chairman said Karate have limited resources, and we want to distinguished sports administrator. William Ramirez creating a deep pool from Pilipinas Sports maximize use of it,” explained Ramirez. With these values in mind, Ramirez and the PSC said that the which elite sports could cull Federation, Inc. agency is open (KPSFI) President The first two days of meetings was have brought its programs from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi; The PSA’s Executive of the Year says he takes pride in supporting their future stars.” Richard Lim. led by Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, from urbanized cities down to the barangays, even in the in being part of the sports community, an understatement NSAs who and then followed by Commissioner countryside, as instructed by President Rodrigo Duterte. considering all the solid contributions that Chairman Butch intend to develop sports programs Updates on NSA’s International Celia Kiram, Commissioner has made. for the country’s grassroots. Federation (IF) and Philippine Olympic Charles Maxey and Commissioner The agenda of the PSC to improve the lives of Committee (POC) accreditation, and Arnold Agustin, successively. “We want to help the NSAs on athlete’s profiles were also tackled their own grassroots sports programs for in the meetings headed by each PSC Last year, the PSC approved a the country. When they conduct a strong, Commissioner in charge. 600 million total budget for NSAs, but exceeded this by over 100% given the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games and the unanimous goal to finish with the overall crown – which Team Philippines successfully did.

PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez and Commissioner Charles Maxey led a series of budget hearings with Muaythai Association of the Philippines (MAP) Secretary General Pearl Managuelod [A], Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) Secretary General Julian Camacho [B], Team Philippines in suits and dresses as they received their respective PSC Chairman William Ramirez receives the “Executive of the Year Award” Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation Inc. (KPSFI) President awards from the SMC-PSA Annual Awards Night held at the Centennial given by the SMC- PSA after leading the national team towards the Richard Lim [C] and Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) Secretary General Raul Samson [D]. The meetings were also Hall, Manila Hotel last March 6. 30th Southeast Asian Games championship. Joining him on the stage is C joined by NSA Affairs Office Head Annie Ruiz and Finance Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino. Head Erik Jean Mayores at the RMSC, Manila.

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 19-20 but also a manifestation of the youth’s adherence and dedication to Olympic ideals.” THE SUCCESS “The Flame is the beacon that leads to the attainment of REMEMBERING The 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics, also REMEMBERING goodwill, mutual understanding and brotherhood among men and to the known as the ‘Games of the XVIII Olympiad’, was attainment of world peace, the supreme yearning of mankind,” he added. considered by many as one of the most revolutionary events in international sports history. The games After the solemn rites, the Olympic Flame was relayed from the stadium drew large crowds with more than two million to the airport with another set of runners composed of Leonardo Marquez, THETHE tickets sold on all indoor and outdoor venue events. Apolinario Rublico, Aurelio Dumaguing, Siegfried Guerrero, Salvador Canego, Florderico Loreto, Lawrence Gonzales, Pedro Bayuga and Edison Diamante. It was the first time to be held in Japan and Asia, and was the also very first Olympic Games that featured, worldwide satellite broadcast, which SACREDSACRED FLAMEFLAME enabled hundreds of millions of spectators to follow the Games live on every continent (Olympic.org). I was only 14 years old at that There was no doubt that the hosting was a “ OF success, despite what Japan and the whole world went time in Davao. But I knew in my OF through due to the occurrence of the second World War. But not everyone knew that before the Games, heart that despite the atrocities one special event reunited every nation in sports. of the war,the torch relay brought 19641964 peace and unity for everyone.” by Joash David Ricanor THE MEMORIES

To signify the world’s recovery from the war, THE LESSONS the Olympic Flame was transported for 51 days “Throughout time, we consider the across Europe and Asia. After the flame was lit in 1964 Tokyo Olympic torch relay as one of A. The historic Rizal Memorial Complex photo by heritage.org.ph Olympia and had been carried by relay to Athens, the most notable moments in the country and the flame took to the air on August 23, 1964 to sports. Both Japan and the Philippines have B. Pedro Bayuga carries the Olympic Flame towards the Manila International travel via Istanbul, Beirut, Tehran, Lahore, New been through a lot in the past, but in sports, Airport for its departure from HongKong Delhi, Calcutta, Rangoon, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, we have grown together,” said Philippine Sport Manila, Hong Kong and Taipei (Olympic.org). Commission Chairman William Ramirez in an interview with NHK-Japan television network. On September 3, 1946, former Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation (PAAF) and Philippine Ramirez is among the twelve sports National Olympic Committee President Antonio de officials to be featured on the network’s special las Alas welcomed the torch, together with Olympic coverage recalling the rich history of the torch relay. Torch Relay Head Fumio Takahashi and Senator Ambrosio Padilla at the Manila International Airport. “I was only 14 years old at that time in Davao. But I knew in my heart that Set for a nine-kilometer relay to Rizal despite the atrocities of the war, the torch Track & Football Stadium, collegiate runner Albert relay brought peace and unity for everyone,” Williams spearheaded the relay, followed by added the sports agency chief, as he toured the Renato Demata, Isaac Deita, Antonio Cuyegkeng, NHK-Japan team inside the 1934-built Rizal Regalado Pascual, Rene Evangelista, Eduardo Memorial Sports Complex last February 8. Ayong, Romeo Adsuara, and was finished by A national sprint champion Enrique Bautista. With Japan’s hosting of the Olympic Games for 2020, the chairman takes the In the accounts of Antonio Siddayao success and memories of 1964 in mark this from The Manila Times, Bautista arrived at the important part of history for Philippine sports. historic sports complex, circled the track and lighted a black urn under a white canopy in “In the 1964 Olympics, we sent 47 front of the stands. One of the three special athletes, and won our first silver medal in lamps containing the flame was placed in the men’s boxing courtesy of Anthony Villanueva. center of the platform where officers from the It is our goal to win the gold medal now and 18 national sports association held a night vigil. share these memories again in Tokyo 2020 for the world to witness,” concluded Ramirez. PAAF President De las Alas, in his PSC Chairman William Ramirez during an interview with NHK-Japan speech said that “the relay is not merely a representative Kumiko Anada-Sayo at the PhilSports Complex, Pasig City. The war belongs to the past, gesture of conveying a message of welcome but moments like this in sports history and good wishes for the progress of the Flame, B are certainly worth being remembered.

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 21-22 n our history of joining the most prestigious sports tilt in the world, capturing the gold has been an elusive dream. ISeveral times we have clinched silver and bronze medals, but the Olympic gold remains a pursuit -- even for almost a century. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) remains steadfast in partaking in this national goal. With our country’s most promising athletes showcasing the best chances for this bid, the sports agency sees no boundaries in extending its all-out support.

“If we see athletes that have Olympic potential, we will not think twice in supporting him or her. And it is our prayer that more will qualify to Tokyo,” stressed PSC Chairman William Ramirez.

This determination echoes in the continuous support of the Commission to hopeful athletes who can qualify in the quadrennial games. Ahead of Tokyo 2020, notable Filipino athletes have already qualified. The Making of the by Jeremielle Valeriano Ernest John Obiena became the first Filipino to secure a Tokyo berth after recording 5.81 meters in a tournament in Chiara, Italy for pole vaulting. He exceeded the 5.80 meters Olympic standard. Filipino Dream Team P23.6 million to the Association of Boxing Alliance in the Bianca Pagdanganan. They have an accumulated financial Carlos Yulo for gymnastics etched history for giving Philippines in 2019. assistance of almost Php 1.7 million from the sports agency. the country its first World Gymnastics Championship. He became the second Olympic qualifier after he advanced Hidilyn Diaz received almost Php 10 million for The Commission also looks after our 3x3 basketball to the finals of men’s all-around at the 49th FIG Artistic 2019, and more than Php 400,000 for January 2020 hopefuls Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, and Santi Santillan, Gymnastics Championships. alone. who were aided with more than Php 700,000 for 2019. Taekwondo jin Pauline Lopez, who is set to undergo the Eumir Marcial captured a slot by punching his way The sports agency hopes for more Olympic qualifiers in Jordan, was also aided with more than half through the semifinals in the middleweight division of Asia qualifiers in a lot more sports with top-performing athletes. a million pesos in 2019. Cyclist Daniel Caluag was given Oceania Olympic qualifiers held in Amman, Jordan. 2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing champion Nesthy almost Php 900,000 in the same year. Petecio is another athlete to look out for as she undergoes Irish Magno launched a breakthrough as she more qualifying competitions with the support of more than Honing these talents for the Olympics is never became the first Filipina to capture a Tokyo berth after Php 2 million last year. a simple project that takes just a year or two. To form beating Tajikistan’s Sumaiya Qosimov in the Asia Oceania the Philippine national team who will give the nation its Olympic boxing qualifier in Amman, Jordan. Swimming’s James Deiparine, who brought home protracted dream entails a long-term sports plan. Financial the country’s first SEA Games gold in the sport after 10 and moral support from the state is a fundamental factor in Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz is inches years, along with fellow 2019 SEA Games medallists this goal. away from completing her Olympic cycle appearance in Remedy Rule, Luke Michael Gebbie, and Jasmine Alkhaldi this year’s Olympic Games. These frontrunners – who fuel are working their way to Qualifying Time A after breaking Since 2016, PSC Chairman Ramirez expressed the the nation’s chance for the Olympic gold– are products in through the Olympic Selection Time B. They are backed agency’s full assistance to our athletes and national sports of collective effort, talent, and support. (for use in floating by PSC’s funding of almost Php 9 million just last year. associations. Boxing, swimming, weightlifting, table tennis, quotes) wushu, golf, judo, taekwondo, shooting, and archery had Filipina-Japanese judoka Kiyomi Watanabe gives received a total of almost Php 336 million. The PSC, behind the success of these frontrunners the country another shot to the Games by currently ranking in the Games, has shelled out more than Php 31 million 26 in the world in Women’s judo. The sports agency These Olympic hopefuls, who are products of the in 2019 solely for them to fund their training and foreign granted more than Php 3.5 million for her training and the agency’s grassroots and elite sports programs, are aided exposure. Philippine Judo Federation Php 18.7 million in 2019. by the agency to help their careers take a full turn. Guided by one of its mission statements, which is to “support the More funds are getting released for these athletes as Karateka Junna Tsukii seeks a breakthrough in specially talented athletes for high-level competitions” Tokyo 2020 nears. the top 16 to book a Tokyo berth while Asian Games gold PSC extends its arm both for the present and the future of medalist Margielyn Didal targets to undergo qualifying Philippine sports. This is what it takes to have the Filipino Dream Team. tournaments in skateboarding. Their combined allowance from the PSC amounted to more than Php 1.6 million last The Olympic Games may be the highest attainment The PSC had also given Philippine Athletics Track year. of every athlete, but for a nation that speaks and lives and Field Association (PATAFA) Php 47.1 million, P43.1 sports, it is everyone’s dream to fulfill. Gearing up the million to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, and Yuka Saso, the golden girl of the Asian Games Filipino Dream Team takes us halfway there. vies for a spot in the Olympic Golf Rankings along with

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 23-24 THE LARGER PICTURE Limasawa in Cebu was originally slated to have its leg of Children’s Games on March 28 and 29 but The PSC has prepared a multitude of projects along was also postponed due to the status of the virus spread. with its mainstay programs for the year. Aiming to raise Nevertheless, it will resume once a go-signal from the sports excellence and to bring sports education inclusively Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of to all Filipinos, the Commission seeks to use these activities Interior and Local Government (DILG) was released where as tools to implement these objectives. beach games, swimming, and modern pentathlon activities will be played in the event. The postponement might have adjusted the calendar of these activities but does not change their Other seminars that involve small groups of people purpose and their projected results for our athletes and the have also pushed through such as the PSC Sports for Peace public. Volunteers and Coaches’ Clinic held in Davao de Oro.

“When you say postponed, pag maganda na ang panahon, we can schedule the activities,” assured the PSC SETTING SAFETY AS PRIORITY IS A PRIORITY chief. With the national health safety of Filipinos still at Safety is a Priority of PSC The National Sports Summit 2020 is a nationwide stake with over thousands of lives lost in different parts of by Jeremielle Valeriano gathering of coaches, sports educators, trainers, and sports the world, it has become imperative for all government stakeholders to assess the state of sports in the country arms to share the responsibility of preventing the spread of from the convention’s first installment way back in 1992. the disease. iruses are hardly live organisms, yet their toll on the SOLIDARITY AGAINST AN INVISIBLE ENEMY The summit will feature both known international and As WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom normal cycle of the living is beyond compare. V The Philippine government, in its efforts to combat Reaching more than 100,000 cases worldwide at the spread of the virus, needs the cooperation and initiative the beginning of March, the COVID-19 is a new strain of its agencies to effectively carry out its plan on safeguarding its people. of the Coronavirus afflicting territories around the globe. The virus, which began spreading in Wuhan City, Hubei The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) heeds to Province, China, was already declared as a pandemic by this through shelving most of its large-scale projects for the the World Health Organization (WHO) as of March 11. year until there is no more presence of the virus’ threat. In According to the WHO, this is the first Coronavirus in fact, the PSC was one of the first government agencies to do history to reach such level of outbreak. COVID-19 is an so. alarming threat to countries with weaker health systems, In a press conference held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on February 6, PSC Chairman William Ramirez and as the WHO had pushed forward, “countries should explained the sports agency’s decision. take urgent and aggressive action.” “Yesterday morning, the board discussed the current The Philippines is no exception. situation, and we have decided that we are postponing major events of the PSC as a safety measure against the Novel Coronavirus. We are postponing all of these including our Children’s Games all over the country, except for small (From left to right) DED-BCSSS Atty. Guillermo B. Iroy Jr.,DED-AFMS Dennis Rivera, PSC Executive Director Merlita Ibay, PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, activities like Coaches’ education, consultative meeting, PSC Chairman William Ramirez, PPC President Mike Barredo, PSC Commissioner Arnold Agustin, PSC Commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey, Philippine because we are avoiding bigger assemblies of people for Olympians Association Board Member Stephen Fernandez, and PSC’s Chief of Staff and National Training Director Mr. Marc Velasco. The PPC head joined the fear of the time. Temporary lang naman yan, “ said Ramirez. panel to enlighten the press about the possible delay of the holding of the 10th Asean Para Games.

The National Sports Summit 2020, the Philippine local figures in the field of sports and sports education Ghebreyesus has noted in a press briefing concerning what National Games, Batang Pinoy, and the Children’s Games were postponed indefinitely. The PSC also stalled its to give seminar-workshops about various topics. These the nations can do for their people amid the spread of scheduled seminars and gatherings exceeding 40 people, seminar-workshops and open fora to be held are supposed COVID-19, it is up to how we respond that determines how as the virus spreads through direct transmission, where an to give foundation to where should we steer the priorities of the virus will fare in our country: infected person transmits the disease, contact transmission our sports programs and activities in the future. where objects get stained with droplets carrying the virus, “Containment of COVID-19 is feasible and and aerosol transmission where the virus gets mixed in the The Philippine Youth Games – Batang Pinoy (BP) must remain the top priority for all countries. There is no air and individuals in the area get to inhale it. and the Philippine National Games (PNG), which are core one-size-fits all approach. WHO is advising countries on Athletes, especially those who are bound for the programs of the PSC, are also to look forward to after risks actions they can take for each of the scenarios- first case, Tokyo 2020 Olympics, were also prohibited from training have been eliminated. first cluster, first evidence of community transmission. in China and other places that have announced positive patients. Extreme caution, on the other hand, was imposed The newly-refurbished Rizal Memorial Sports Our message to all countries is this: this is now on athletes and coaches going to other countries for training Complex in Manila and Philsports Complex in Pasig will one-way street. We can push this coronavirus back. Your and exposure. serve as the home of these national sporting events catering actions now will determine the course of the COVID-19 to budding athletes aged 15 and under, and serving as the outbreak in your country. The PSC also strongly advised the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) to delay the 10th ASEAN avenue for the selection of the national pool. Paragames issuing a board resolution in response to the There’s no choice but to act now.” increasing threat of the virus. In consultation with the The Children’s Games, an initiative for the youth Chairman William Ramirez answering inquiries from the media concerning International Paralympic Committee, the APG Organizing of far-flung and conflicted provinces all over the country, The PSC, as the lone sports agency is one with this the agency’s decision to delay its activities for the year due to the threat of Committee announced the events’ second postponement, is also set to continue bringing joy after the virus ceases aim. the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. setting October as the new target schedule. spreading.

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 25-26 n 2016, the Philippine Sports Commission identified six policy directions of PSC aids IPhilippine Sports- Sports Governance, Sports Awareness, Philippine Sports Institute institutionalization, Sports Facilities Development, Sports Linkages and Sports in Burauen Accessibility. Among these, the President emphasized Sports Sports Accessibility. He mandated the PSC to make sports accessible to every Filipino.

Complex Since then, grassroot sports programs Nabunturan children make new friends in of the PSC such as the Children’s Games, Coaching Certification Clinics and among other PSC Children’s Games program renovation efforts are brought even to far-flung areas. by Allyster Astronomo by Chariza Fe De Vera The PSC is also supportive of local espite the rainy weather in PSC Mindanao cluster PSC also brought a Coaching governments that wish to refurbish their sports the valley, Philippine Sports head Edfer Fernandez was Clinic to develop Nabunturan’s growing facilities. The Sports Facilities Division of the DCommission (PSC) Mindanao happy with the event’s turnout. presence in grassroots sports. Mindanao agency lends a hand to guide LGUs on this, coaches and staff brought the Sports coaches Pochollo Elegino, Mario given their extensive experience and knowledge for Peace: Children’s Games and “It’s so heart-warming to see Mojica and Melchor Anzures trained 35 in internation standards and regulations. Coaching Clinic to Davao de Oro’s them play with each other in the spirit of fun promising young athletes and coaches capital, Nabunturan, last March 6-7. and respect. The work of peace-building from the town in basketball, volleyball, Last March 2019, PSC chairman starts among the children,” he said. and football, respectively. The athletes William Ramirez and Mindanao State Collaborating with Assumption ACN President Sr. Myrna D. and coaches were so grateful for the College of Nabunturan (ACN), Taganas, FMA opportunity to be University president Dr. Habib Macaayong Municipal Government of Nabunturan, encouraged the trained by PSC’s led the groundbreaking ceremony of the new and the Department of Social Welfare children to enjoy “It’s so finest that they MSU track oval in Marawi City after signing a and Development, PSC let 253 children the event and heart-warming to powered through Memorandum of Agreement in 2018. aged 6-12 years old enjoy their right make friends. the coaching to play for a day within the field. see them play with sessions despite the This time, the agency committed for an They enjoyed eight games: kariling, “Through typical downpours all-out assistance in the rehabilitation of the luksong tinik, sack race, tug of peace, sports, we each other in the in Davao de Oro. 6-hectare Burauen Sports Complex. action relay, kalamansi relay, ball are one. Our spirit of fun and race, and Catch the Dragon’s Tail. differences do not PSC “We were surprised by the support matter,” she said. respect. The work of Mindanao has coming from the PSC for the renovation of both What makes the Nabunturan visited provinces our track oval and swimming pool. This is a leg of the Children’s Games unique Axel peace-building starts which have never great step in developing a better grassroots is that some of the participating Dave Alivio, one among the children.” been visited by any children are beneficiaries of of the participants sports program. sports program in our city,” said Burauen the government’s Pantawid in the event, recounted his Hopefully, it will be enjoyed by the whole Burauen City Mayor Juanito Renomeron, MDDRAMOa Alex Mayor Juanito Renomeron in his courtesy call Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Children’s Games experience. island in the upcoming years, as PSC Renomeron and Zaldy Monte in a courtesy visit with PSC to Chairman Ramirez in the agency’s head wants to wire Mindanao with its various Chairman William Ramirez at the PSC Administrative Bldg., office at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, To make sure that the children “I was overjoyed because of the sports programs because through sports, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila. Manila. enjoyed the event in a safe space for experience playing traditional games children gain the confidence to overcome play, the PSC enlisted the help of youth with different children. Before I was just their animosities and shortcomings. This renovation will boost their bid to volunteers to become part of the PSC at home playing Mobile Legends or Individuals open their horizons and host some of the PSC’s programs like Batang Sports for Peace Volunteers, also called watching TV, now I made new friends become more sensitive to people from Pinoy, Philippine National Games and even the as the Ates and Kuyas of the kids. Their to keep. I will not forget seeing Jollibee other communities, beliefs and thoughts. Department of Education’s Palarong Pambansa one-day training prepared them to and winning six games out of eight. Through sports, new friendships in 2023, detailed Mayor Renomeron, a good handle the children for the Games proper. I am so proud of my teammates.” are established and reinforced. move for the city’s sports tourism.

Burauen is a 1st class municipality in Leyte. The home of Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park.

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 27-28 meantime, allow me to share the following converted to temporary medical facilities, the thoughts which I hope could help you get by PSC’s Philsports Complex included. This is RANDOM during these trying times: true. 1.Pray. Not only the Multi-Purpose Arena 2.Use this time to connect with friends, family, and the Philsports track oval, the Rizal THOUGHTS God and your self. Memorial Sports Complex is being considered 3.Like so many things in life, technology as well. PNG, Batang Pinoy may either be a boon or a bane. Use it constructively. Keep informed, yes, but with We offered the facilities to help AT 3AM the righT information. decongest hospitals. We have the space -- 4.Avoid negative content newly renovated, fully airconditioned with 5.All of the above helps us greatly to keep a a steady water supply. We have already to take place in RMSC positive mindset. A bigNpart of the battle is discussed this with Executive Secretary keeping your wits about. Salvador Medialdea. by Joash David Ricanor 6.Set-up a daily routine. This will help you The Department of Public Works keep your focus and face each day with intent and Highways have sent their staff to survey and purpose. the Pasig venue and are set to also visit the 7.Reach out to people who can give you RMSC next week. support to shore up your spirit. I understand that some sectors Go to your God. Learn the value of might become concerned over this. We are meditation. Learn to talk to your self. not putting our athletes at risk as all but a few of them have left for their respective homes. DISCERN. If anyone, it would be my wife, my self and CHAIRMAN WILLIAM BUTCH RAMIREZ the medical and security staff manning the If you ever feel lost or alone in facilities which would be nearest the risk as we the course of this ECQ, go back to what all live in the complex. Rest assured though sports have taught you. Parang sa training, that we will make every step to ensure that BAYANI show determination. Parang preparation sa safety of all concerned will be ensured and championship, keep your focus and calm. that the facilities are disinfected thoroughly PARA SA after that virus finally say goodbye. How we Keep your eyes on the prize, as we all wish that would be soon. BAYANI always say in sports. I am worried, yes, pero The games are back at home. Created through EO No. 163, Meanwhile, the PSC also may tiwala ako sa mga atleta natin. Sports has been placed at the back as the centerpiece program of the announced that the regional qualifiers (Posted on PSC’s FB page on TUESDAY, burner during this trying part of our journey March 24, 2020) Alam kong palaban kayo at may as a people, and understandably so. However, he Philippine Sports Commission government’s national physical fitness of the Batang Pinoy was scrapped “to mga life skills that are fortified and made it does not mean we just all sit and watch. (PSC) is staging its centerpiece and sports development, the National reduce the costs of local government Being a 69-year old senior citizen on strong with the values that sports has instilled Trusting the spirit that drives every person programs’ Batang Pinoy and Games aims to find the possible units (LGUs),” and give way for extended community quarantine, I was up and in you – fortitude, discipline, respect, and (whether as an athlete, a parent, an official T about at 3 a.m., my thoughts awake as early courage. or an employee) whose soul is somehow Philippine National Games in the composition the national as an hour earlier. This ECQ has given me the intertwined with sports ---- to always achieve, country’s capital city of Manila for of the national championships gift of time. It has given most of us that gift. A Do things for the betterment to always fight for a cause, I know that you 2020. team to represent also set to happen welcome respite from the brisk schedules we of the community. I have seen some all understand why we need to volunteer our usually keep. These days, we are called to the of you contributing what you can. My facilities in the interest of the greater good. the country in at RMSC on service of our dear country by staying home. heart swells with pride to see our sports “It is time to welcome the next international October 18 to 24. heroes supporting our heroes in this fight. These times call for unselfish generation of Filipino athletes inside sports events such A small brave segment of society, Bayani para sa bayani. Salamat sa inyo. patriotism. These times call for everyone however, keeps fighting at the frontlines and to be heroes, even. Let us step up to the plate, the historical coliseum,” said PSC as the Southeast Unlike the I take my hat off to them. Thank you for your so to speak. This is us, the sporting community Chairman William Ramirez, sharing Asian Games, PNG, the Batang service. I keep you in my humble prayers CALL stepping up to bat. his excitement in hosting the games Asian Games, Pinoy will be each time. My heart bleeds for the lives we unnecessarily lost to this fight. I commend FOR To paraphrase a dear friend, Bro. and other lined up events for the year. and the Olympic having its first your souls to our Lord in prayer. Karl Gaspar -- instead of doing things in selfish Games. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL GAMES hosting in the PATRIOTISM motive, in pursuit of happiness, do things that The now 86-year-old Rizal country’s capital, I worry about our athletes. Like would ensure happiness of all so that there is a father who thinks about his children all (Posted on PSC’s FB page on SUNDAY, flourishing of one’s life. Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in For this and is expected scattered in different places, I worry about March 29, 2020) Sports is not a career, it is a vocation. I have Manila and the PhilSports Complex in year, the PNG to gather over them. As a leader of the government’s sports realized this in the course of my almost 50 Pasig City, both received major facelifts is featuring 14 5,000 participants agency, I have instructed concerned officers to For some days now, we have years in sports. I will be turning 70 in May, and keep updated on our athlete’s status. been hearing sad news of our dear doctors many times, whether as an athlete, a coach, a last year, made possible through the sporting events from all over the at the frontlines succumbing to the dreaded teacher or as a leader these words come to P842.5-million financial assistance to be played country. We are still taking care of a number COVID-19. Then there is the news about old mind and fortify my spirit: from the Philippine Amusement and at the RMSC’s of them at the Philsports Complex, with most people not having food to eat, people who of them quarantined at their own homes. sleep on floors, under bridges because they I have fought the good fight, I Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), as Coliseum, “We see cannot go home. Have you seen the ones about have finished the race, I have kept the faith. part of the agency’s masterplan for Baseball Field, this as a perfect The impact of COVID-19 on sports parents who can only wave to their children Now there is in store for me the crown of PSC-controlled facilities. These were Badminton Hall, time to use these resulted in the postponement or cancellation for fear of giving them the virus. It breaks righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous of so many events locally and globally, your heart. As much as one wishes to remain Judge, will award to me on that day—and not also used as venues for the 30th Aquatic Center, newly-refurbished postponed competitions resulting to lost optimistic, it really puts a cloud over one’s only to me, but also to all who have longed Southeast Asian Games. Gymnastic Center and Tennis Courts, sports facilities in both RMSC and revenue and wasted investments for some, and head, and knife straight into one’s heart. for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8) and PhilSports’ Track Oval, Fencing PhilSports for the grassroots sports lost opportunity for our athletes. I am sure that many of us wish we We are all called to battle, on “The aid from PAGCOR Hall and Multi-Purpose Arena. development in the country and allow Abnormal times are our present can do something, or we can do more. different capacities. May we all be the best was the biggest boost to our drive in the present generation to get to know normal making some of us physically, soldiers at the positions we are given the rehabilitating our venues. We made “We expect this edition to be these venues who have been witnesses emotionally and mentally drained. These challenging times call all of responsibility to man. May we never give up When I was still teaching, I often talked us to be patriots. In ordinary times but more hope. May we never cease to believe. If not for sure that money was spent well, wisely one of the best PNG editions, as we to the colorful history of Philippine about “The Hierarchy of Needs of Abraham so in extradordinary ones as we have now, we ourselves, for the people who need it most. and prudently,” added Ramirez. will be having the local government sports,” said Ramirez, adding that the Maslow.” At the base of that is psychology are called upon to do heroic things. Whether to units of Manila, Makati, Pasay, new generation can now start making followed by safety. Both are important for all be called at the frontlines or to stay home, we *** of us to survive this. can all do our share to be part of this problem’s Thank you Dr. Serg Opena, PhD in Occupational On May 17 to 23, the 10th Mandaluyong and Pasig City as our their new stories in these hallowed solution. Development, Bro. Karl Gaspar and Fr. Pons Suico whose edition of the PNG will return to the partners in hosting the games,” said halls. The PSC’s Sports Psychology Unit wisdom that they unselfishly share help to feed my faith and historic RMSC. Secretariat Head Manuel Bitog. is creating a guideline to help our athletes You might have read news articles strengthen my resolve. keep in proper mindset while on ECQ. In the about certain government buildings to be

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.1 Manila, Philippines Pages 29-30