CONGRESSMAN MANNY PACQUIAO, OUR FILIPINO BOXERS ARE HEROES, TOO?
By Rod Mijares
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 08 Dec 2010
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are considered our modern heroes because of their contributions in the form of remittances that help the Philippine economy. As such, there are so many laws, privileges and government projects that cater to their, as well, as their families? needs.
However, nothing has been done until now to recognize our professional athletes who compete or fight abroad, bring dollars to our economy and carry our Philippine flag in the pursuit of sport excellence and make a good name for our country. They are our bowlers, billiard players, chess players and most notably our boxers.
I am particularly concerned about our boxers who fight outside the Philippines. Although, their contracts are only for a very short time as compared to the regular OFW?s whose contracts could be a year or two or even extended indefinitely, their contribution in dollar values that they brought in to the Philippines are also significant, especially so, if they are fighting for a world championship. What is not comparable is that they also put their lives in danger every time they enter the ring in the pursuit of mighty dollars and fame.
A bill could be introduced through your office that will consider our Filipino boxers and other Filipino athletes who fight and compete abroad to be considered as an integral part of the Overseas Filipino Workers as a tribute and in recognition of their contribution.
When Z ?The Dream? Gorres, one of our world championship caliber boxers, fought and won in Las Vegas but suffered a brain damage and was hospitalized, nobody from the Philippine consulate visited nor offered help to him. It took a humane intervention from Dr. Benito Calderon, his colleagues in the Philippine Medical Association in Las Vegas, his friends and individual donors who collectively united as one in expressing their support for Z Gorres.
If our boxers are also protected like other OFWs, God forbids if their lives are in danger, representatives from our government are expected to be on hand to automatically and immediately offer assistance as called for by laws protecting our overseas Filipino workers.
If our world class professional athletes are not fighting or competing anymore, they will be offered loan assistance, educational assistance and other family livelihood programs usually provided to overseas Filipino workers.
It takes one to be one. It takes a champion to champion the welfare of our boxers.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rod Mijares.
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