Manny plans more incentives for athletes
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 14 Dec 2021
Sen, Manny Pacquiao said the other day he intends to raise incentives for athletes who bring honor to the country by winning medals in the Olympics and world competitions, adding that recognition will be equal for achievers in inspiring the youth to replicate their efforts.
Pacquiao said he’ll encourage the private sector to be more “deeply involved” in supporting sports while acknowledging the strong backing of PLDT, Smart and San Miguel Corp. “Walang pilitan,” he said. “This will be voluntary. Balak kong kausapin isa-isa mga kayang sumuporta galing private sector at bigyan sila ng options, no strings attached, na mag-focus either sa specific sports or athletes upang makatulong sa bansa. Isa sa mukha ng bayan ang sports. Bigyan natin ng sapat na atensyon ang palakasan, from grassroots development to talent identification to aligning Physical Education programs sa school curriculums.”
While Pacquiao said his priority is to alleviate the plight of those in poverty, sports will be given due importance in the national budget. “Mahalaga sa akin ang edukasyon ng kabataan upang mabigyan sila ng magandang kinabukasan,” he said. “Mahalaga rin mabigyan ng sariling bahay ang mga walang tahanan at ang sports upang mabigyan natin ng karangalan ang ating bayan.” Pacquiao cited PSC’s success and said that whatever is due the government agency according to the law, must be given, no more, no less.
Pacquiao said the creation of the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission will provide solid support for the development of fighters and suggested the establishment of a Boxing Academy for pros. “Maayos ang palakad ng ABAP at palalakasin pa natin,” he said. Pacquiao mentioned boxing is a sport where Filipinos excel anywhere in the world and noted that strong representation in international federations is critical. Regarding e-sports, he called it an “event of the future” where there is widespread involvement of the youth. “Hindi kailangan ang lakas ng katawan,” he said. “Kailangan matalino, mautak sa pagalingan.”
Pacquiao said sports will always be close to his heart. He recalled representing the country as the flagbearer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and joining the opening parade. Aside from boxing, Pacquiao said he has played darts, billiards, table tennis, basketball, badminton and volleyball. He said he knows the feeling of competing for the country and bringing honor to the flag. It’s the same feeling he hopes to share with Filipino athletes aspiring to be the next Manny Pacquiao or Hidilyn Diaz.
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