The Philippine Sports Commission has lauded the Iloilo provincial government for its grassroots sports development program which cultivates homegrown talents.
PSC Chairperson John Patrick C. Gregorio said Iloilo has an existing organization, a pool of skilled athletes, and a strong support from corporate sponsors.
“Grassroots development in Iloilo is commendable. It has a very good foundation and very good athletes. You perform well in national competition,” Gregorio told the press during the Visayas Sports Summit today at Park Inn by Radisson, Iloilo City.
The two-day summit, which concludes tomorrow, March 17, is hosted by the Iloilo Sports Development and Management Office (ISDMO). The event gathered local chief executives, sports officials, teachers, coaches, and athletes aimed at strengthening the province's athletic framework.
Commissioner Matthew “Fritz” Gaston echoed these sentiments, noting that Iloilo possesses all the critical components of a sports strategy. He specifically pointed the province's consistent performance in the Palarong Pambansa as evidence of how Iloilo excels in sports. He also lauded Iloilo’s sports programs targeting the youth.
“I think with those components and your organization, there is no way to grow but up. You are winning in the Palaro, you have the formula, and that’s being practiced already,” Gaston said.
Through the ISDMO, the provincial government implements various programs aimed at nurturing talents at a young age.
These include specialized football clinics and secondary school athletic programs. The province also offers competitive platforms such as the Governor’s Cup, inter-school invitational games, and various youth developmental leagues.
Iloilo also has a structured incentives program which provides monetary rewards and assistance to athletes who won in the national and regional competitions.
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