Gregorio eyes gov’t help for RTC

Patrick Gregorio

As the annual Batang Pinoy makes its anticipated return to Bacolod City in December, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio is hoping to further boost the relationship between his office and government agencies to speed up his goal of putting up regional training centers (RTC) all over the country.

“That’s exactly what we need,” Gregorio told reporters at the PSA Forum last Tuesday. “The PSC has its own [satellite offices] but it’s important to have that collaboration with the [Department of Interior and Local Government]. because the PSC doesn’t have that office or administration in every province.”

Apart from the Bacolod City local government and the DILG, the Department of Education was also vital in ensuring that preparations will go on seamlessly for the multi-sport event that hopes to shine the light on grassroots athletes aged eight to 15.

“For the Batang Pinoy, we want the stars to be the younger athletes,” Gregorio said, explaining why the PSC moved athletes aged 16 and 17, who used to be part of the Batang Pinoy, to the Palarong Pambansa.

Gregorio has long vouched for regional training centers all over the country as a key to a more successful and inclusive grassroots program, mainly because it eases the pathway for regional prospects to the national pool.

The PSC chief has long touted the archery training center in Candon, Ilocos Sur and the recently set up rowing training center in Isabela, which uses the famed Cagayan river, as examples of his plan.

“We need the help of government offices like the DILG to fast-track [the creation of regional training centers] and we are working toward making that happen,” Gregorio said.

This year’s Batang Pinoy will showcase 30 sports, an increase from last year’s 27 with the addition of golf, skateboarding and bowling.

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