Pacquiao leads push for grassroots program

Manny Pacquiao at the meeting of top-level sports executives on Thursday at Century Park Hotel. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Senator Manny Pacquiao on Thursday said the future of Philippine sports resides on the younger generation.

“Pinaka-importante dito ay grassroots program, priority natin yun,” said Pacquiao at Century Park Hotel in the meeting of top sports executives spearheaded by the Philippine Sports Commission. “Hindi pwede kumuha ng quality na athletes pag hindi nagsimula sa grassroots.”

Pacquiao, who is the chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, was in attendance during the meeting that talked about the formation of the Philippine Sports Institute.

The new PSC leadership is prioritizing the establishment of PSI, which aims to nurture the new crop of national athletes in hopes of consistently capturing medals in the Olympics, among others.

The Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia that does not have such an institute.

Pacquiao said the PSI will “see a sports program with an integrated sports vision that will assimilate the sporting community from the baranggay to the national level.”

That way, sports is introduced to the members of even far-off communities at a young age.

“Kailangan talaga grassroots, yung kabataan i-develop para maiwasan yung bisyo sa murang edad,” said Pacquiao.

He used his sport boxing, which let him become a household name, as a prime example of why the PSI is needed in the country.

“Hindi lang enough ang physical and skills. Kailangan din nito,” said Pacquiao, pointing to his head.

“It’s impossible na maging successful ka kung wala kang utak. Maraming athlete na nakikita ko hindi disiplinado, kalaunan, end of career nila hindi na maganda.”/rga