Davao City - Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William I. Ramirez thanked Mindanao regional coordinators for their hard work in promoting grassroots sports and he also urged them to give their best until 2022 as the PSC-Philippine Sports Institute strategic planning concluded here at The Pinnacle Hotel and Suites yesterday, October 12.

“Happy kaayo ko nga naa mo mainspire na laing mga grupo sa inyong mga ginahimo diri sa Mindanao (I’m happy that you have been inspiring other groups in what you have been doing for sports in Mindanao). Strive for more. Go to the poor.” stated Ramirez in his speech.

He added that the strategic planning is vital to determine which direction to tread before the term of President Rodrigo R. Duterte ends in 2022.

“Makakuha ta og leadership inspiration aning strat plan aron mas mualmbo pa ang sports sa grassroots (We can gain leadership inspiration in this strategic planning to further boost sports in the grassroots),” he said, adding that he received instructions from the President to give special attention to Mindanao because of the peace problem. Thus, he wants every coordinator to be actively involved in endeavors to bring sports to the periphery as mandated by the commander-in-chief.

Three years are over, he continued, “I am throwing this back to you. How much work have you done? Assess yourself. Makabuhat mo programa nga kamo lang, dili kinahanglan magdepende ra sa gobyerno (You can make programs on your own, you can’t just depend on the government).”

He then encouraged them to continue establishing linkages with local government units (LGUs), government and non government agencies and the private sector although he admitted that six years will not be enough to complete the task for grassroots sports.

In 2020, PSC Mindanao will undertake a total of 44 programs on talent identification with sports journalism, sports consultative with coaches certification, sports consultative with coaching clinic and Children’s Games in all regions of the island.

PSC Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey, oversight for Mindanao, assured the coordinators of his full support to the programs.

“I promise you of my presence, my support on the ground. Nalipay ko og dako kay kamo ang frontliners sa PSC, dako jud mo og tabang (I am so happy because you are the frontliners of PSC, you have been a great help),” said Maxey.

The PSC-PSI coordinators came from Tiawi-Tawi, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Iligan City, Bukidnon, Agusan, South Cotabato, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Marawi City, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Gingoog City, Digos City, Davao del Norte and Davao City.