PNoy highlights admin's efforts to advance sports in Palarong Pambansa opening

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday highlighted his administration’s efforts to advance sports in the country as he led the formal opening of the Palarong Pambansa in Pangasinan.   In his speech, Aquino noted that Palarong Pambansa served as a launching pad for upcoming athletes from different regions in the country for the last 60 years.   “Dito nga po sa Palarong Pambansa unang ipinunla ang mga alamat nina Lydia de Vega at Elma Muros para sa Athletics, Danny Ildefonso at Marlou Aquino para sa basketball; Susan Papa at Eric Buhain sa swimming; at Chiefy Caligdong at Kristopher Camcam ng Azkals para naman sa football,” he said.   Aquino noted the government allotted P200 million to ensure the smooth implementation and complete facilities for the participants of Palarong Pambansa.                                                                         He also vowed to the young athletes that his administration would continue improving the sports program in the country with the 2011-2016 Philippine Sports Roadmap of the Philippine Sports Commission.   The five-year program aims to improve and focus on certain sports such as boxing, taekwondo, athletics, swimming, wushu, archery, wrestling bowling, weightlifting, and billiards.    “Halos P200 o 33 percent ng tinataya nating annual remittance sa ilalim ng National Sports Development Fund ang ilalaan para sa pagpapaunlad ng mga sports na nabanggit,” the President said.   Aquino also announced the re-implementation of the Philippine National Games as a national try-out for athletes from the grassroots level and allow them to join the Philipine team.   He also mentioned that his administration does not take for granted the physical and health needs of the inmates, persons with disabilities and youth.   According to the President, P5 million has been allocated to allow persons with disabilities to participate in different sports events.    “Gayundin, halos 8,000 inmates mula sa iba’t ibang piitan sa bansa ang regular nating binibigyan ng fitness regimen upang mapangalagaan ang kanilang pangagatawan at kalusugan,” he added.   In conclusion, Aquino also urged the participants of Palarong Pambansa to bring the lessons they will learn in sports to their every life.    “Hindi nagtatapos ang inyong laban sa palaro, marami pang pagsubok sa tunay na buhay at kalakhang lipunan ang makakaharap ninyo. Nawa’y gamitin ninyo ang lahat ng inyong natutuhan dito sa pagdaig sa mga hamong humaharap sa ating bayan,” he said. – AMD, GMA News