LAOAG CITY -- The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has allocated around PHP2.8 million for the official delegates to represent the province in the 2019 Batang Pinoy national championship in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on August 25-31.
Faivo Bartolome, Ilocos Norte Sports Development Council consultant, on Tuesday said that it is the first time that 53 provincial athletes, who took part in the Luzon qualifying leg in Ilagan City, Isabela last March, will compete in at least eight events which include gymnastics, cycling, baseball, taekwondo, swimming, athletics, triathlon, and duathlon in the national finals.
The Provincial Finance Council has certified the availability of funds for the delegation sourced the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor). Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc has certified as urgent the appropriation of said amount on Tuesday, which was unanimously approved by the provincial board.
“Our athletes have great potential to win in the national finals,” Bartolome said in defending the budget the province poured out for sports development.
The Ilocos Norte team going to Puerto Princesa is composed of 71 delegates composed of athletes, coaches, and medical personnel to look after them.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) spearheads the Batang Pinoy, declared as a National Sports Development Program for children through Executive Order 44 and a National Community Sports Program through Executive Order 79.
The sports event has been an integral part of the national policy and program for sports development to effectively address the need for a comprehensive grassroots sports program.
It is held in cooperation with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and all local government units. (PNA)
