DAVAO CITY—The Philippine Sports Commission-Mindanao Children’s Games has significantly carried its role as a catalyst for peace.
Despite the ongoing strife between government forces and a terrorist group in Marawi City, the Games designed for out-of-school youth aged 12 and below has completed its mission of bringing together children under one playground regardless of region and religion.
“There may be war in other countries and disorder in our own backyard, but through this we showed everyone that peace still reigns in Davao, in Mindanao,” said PSC Chair Butch Ramirez during the closing ceremonies at Almendras Gym here.
Barangay Buhangin ruled the boys’ 3-on-3 basketball after beating Barangay Hizon, 18-5; the girls’ volleyball title went to Barangay 76-A Barangay Bantol; and Baguio Proper and Indangan won the Larong Pinoy events.
During the conduct of the Games, the Davao Sports for Peace Corps Volunteers Association was also formed, giving the PSC access to sports talents living within the Davao region.
Ramirez said the Children’s Games will be replicated in Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Bacolod, Cebu, Tacloban, Catbalogan and the Cordilleras.