Batang MILF in Batang Pinoy
No matter what it gets to be officially called, the move to include and involve the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in nationwide grassroots sports development is a brilliant project that must be sustained and supported all the way.
Philippine Sports Commission chair Butch Ramirez, in the process of forging an agreement with MILF forces, said the program is part of the Mindanao Sports for Peace, with special attention to the MILF youth.
Ramirez said the program would focus on MILF communities “with the promise of consistency and continuity.”
Suddenly, there’s the possibility of MILF youth participating in the Batang Pinoy, a national competition reserved for athletes below 15 years old.
Yes, Batang MILF in the Batang Pinoy. The possibilities are happily staggering.
Ramirez added that the MILF adult athletes can then participate in the Philippine National Games (PNG).
Now comes the big problem: How to select and pick up Batang MILF to immediately join in mainstream national sports development.
We posed the question to respected sports development guru Dr. Aparicio Mequi:
“That’s the question that you can raise with Chairman Ramirez,” Dr. Mequi said.
What’s the problem, Sir?
“Like it or not, MILF kids need initial training, so they will have the confidence to join. Siempre, ayaw mapahiya.”
What’s your suggestion, Sir?
“The MILF teams have to undergo training in preparation for competition so that they will perform with pride and confidence. They could initially play public exhibition games and not necessarily as formal competitors.”
Dr. Mequi, a former PSC chair, said that, unlike their counterparts in the urban areas, who have the luxury of coaches and regular practice sessions, MILF youth should first be provided with coaches and athletic gears to properly prepare them to join the mainstream.
Sporting competence doesn’t come at the click of a finger.
