Gatchalian calls for more support on sports development after PH dominates 30th SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday called for more support for Filipino athletes amid the country’s dominance in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Gatchalian made the call after the Philippine team clinched the overall championship for this year’s edition of the games.
The country concluded its campaign with the final medal haul of 386 – 149 golds, 117 silvers and 120 bronzes – which broke its previous record.
In 2005, the country was also the overall champion when it bagged 113 gold medals.
This year’s biennial meet is considered to be the biggest SEA games held with 56 sports and 530 events in 44 venues across the country.
More than a thousand Filipino athletes participated in the event.
The lawmaker stressed that it is important for all sectors, including the government, academe, and the private sector to strengthen the infrastructural, financial, and policy support to athletes considering their role in fostering national unity and boosting national pride.
“Nakita natin sa SEA Games kung paanong nagkaisa ang ating mga kababayan sa pagsuporta sa ating mga atleta. Ngunit hindi dapat dito sa SEA Games nagtatapos ang pagkakaisa natin para sa ating mga manlalaro,” Gatchalian said in a statement.
“Sa puntong ito, mahalagang magkaisa rin tayo sa paghubog ng mga susunod pang henerasyon ng mga atletang magbibigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa,” he added.
The senator also reiterated the need to establish the Philippine High School for Sports (PHSS) as a crucial step for the grassroots development of sports.
The proposed school will be built at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac to develop future generations of Filipino athletes through physical education and sports development subjects.
The Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture Chairman said that the rollout for the PHSS is being eyed by next year.
“Marami tayong mga mahuhusay na mga manlalaro at may nakahanda na tayong mga magagandang pasilidad na magbibigay sa kanila ng world-class training,” Gatchalian said.
“Pagkatapos ng SEA Games, maaari nang gamitin ang mga pasilidad na ito para sa pagsasanay ng ating mga atleta,” he added.
Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate committee on basic education, arts and culture, said the rollout for the PHSS is being eyed by next year.
The lawmaker also emphasized that corporate sponsors and international donors should work together to assist government efforts to institutionalize academic support for sports.
Likewise, local governments should boost their sports programs and facilities while being on the lookout for potential talents.
“Sa pagpapalakas natin ng sports development, mahalagang magkaroon tayo ng holistic approach upang maibigay natin ang pangangailangan ng ating mga atleta sa bawat hakbang. Hindi lang natin susuportahan ang mga atleta natin pag sumabak na sila sa laban, sisimulan natin ang pagsuporta sa pinakamaagang pagkakataon,” he said.