TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat -- Inspired by the performance of its two athletes in the recent Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the city government, has increased by PHP2 million the fund allocation to sustain the gains of sports and youth development here.
City Information Officer Allan Freno said Friday that Mayor Angelo Montilla has approved the PHP7-million budget for Youth and Sports Development Program of this city. Last year’s allocation was PHP5 million.
Five “arnis” players from this city were part of the national team, who bagged medals in the SEA Games. Other student-athletes of this city also had successful stints in other sports competitions.
Freno said 15 of the 26 gold medals Region 12 won in last year’s Palarong Pambansa were harvested by the arnis players here.
Montilla convened Thursday the newly-constituted City Physical Fitness and Sports Development Council to review last year’s programs as well as make plans for this year’s activities.
City sports coordinator JorJohn Cajandig reported the previous year’s accomplishments and presented recommendations for this year to Montilla.
Miguel Fillalan, City Schools Division superintendent, said that he is also considering the inclusion of a sports track to the existing senior high school curriculum.
Fillalan also thanked the city government for its huge help to the schools division through the Special Education Fund (SEF). Last year, the city government allocated PHP17 million for SEF.
Montilla said that the city needs to continue its gains in sports development.
“Let’s continue to improve our sports facilities and at the same time, make effort in protecting and promoting the welfare of our trainers,” he said.
On January 30 to 31, the city will launch its first Sports Summit that aims to engage stakeholders from various sports disciplines and solicit their thoughts on how to enhance the current programs on youth and sports development. (PNA)
