[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_heading heading=’Investment in sport is investment in future growth ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY EDGARDO J. ANGARA
[/av_heading]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
January 26, 2018
[/av_textblock]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
ON TUESDAY, I attended the groundbreaking of New Clark City, an upcoming 9,000-hectare development in Central Luzon that is a joint venture between the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Japanese government through the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN).
Central to this new planned community is a sports and aquatic center. Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano best described its long-term benefit and significance: “A training venue and nursery of able-bodied and clear-headed Filipino youth, who one day will lead the Philippines.”
Not only are sports powerful antidotes to drug use. They’re a powerful means of teaching discipline and teamwork, serving as a powerful incentive for the youth to aspire to reach the peak of their favorite sports.
Addressing Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez, Secretary Alan challenged him to build such sports center in every provincial capital. Sadly, only a handful of our local government units have decent sporting venues where their young residents can play and practice.
The Philippines has a huge pool of young people, many of whom are already energetic and avid sports fans. Building sports facilities all over the country, where they can improve their skills, would be a sound investment for long-term growth. (Email: angara.ed@gmail.com| Facebook &Twitter: @edangara)/PN
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_full]