PARTY-LIST Rep. Mikee Romero (1Pacman) has proposed for the creation of National Coordinating Council, which will look into various sports programs, especially grassroots development.
The NCC, Romero said, could be the answer the country’s grassroots problems since no one is taking charge of the program, leaving hundreds of young and talented athletes untapped.
“Since we are still waiting for the establishment of the Department of Sports, we have to form the NCC first to address the grassroots development problems in the country,” said Romero. “We have to prepare hard for the Tokyo Games in 2020.”
Romero has already filed a bill that seeks to create a Department of Sport, whose main task is to lead the implementation of policies on the promotion and development of sports and health fitness programs in the country.
The House Bill No. 287, according to Romero, will address various issues and hurdle challenges that confront Philippine sports.
But since it will take time to make the bill into law, Romero stressed that it is paramount that various leaders in government and private institutions should unite and find solutions to the problems that left Philippine sports in a very bad state.
The Philippines has yet to win an Olympic gold since the country took part in the quadrennial tournament in the 1924 Paris Games, although weightlifter Hidilin Diaz brought home a silver medal in the recent Rio Games.
Even in the regional meet—the SEA Games—the country has already been overtaken by Singapore and Vietnam.
“Hindi coordinated ang Philippine Sports Commission and Department of Education when it comes to grassroots program,” said Romero.
“If the stakeholders are amenable, we have to meet monthly so we can create the right formula for our athletes in various sports,” added Romero.
Romero said he has already the support of Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco Jr. but he still has to get the nod of the PSC chairman William Ramirez Jr.
Being eyed to join the NCC are key figures from the Congress, PSC, POC, Dept. Ed., PAGCOR, UAAP, NCAA and major leagues in the country.
