Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and University of Mindanao President Dr. Guillermo Torres Jr. formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation on the creation and implementation of grassroots sports development in Mindanao through the University of Mindanao on Tuesday at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila.
“I’m very happy with such a visionary leader like Dr. Torres. He’s an educator, racer, and former track and field athlete. I think we must respond to his vision.” chairman Ramirez said.
“This is historic for us to partner with the PSC. We initiated the grassroots development track and field oval. In fact, we already had several small meets for elementary and high school even before the pandemic and we had support from the PSC. We just want to expand it on a wider scale so that one of these days, it’ll be a track and field of champions and superstars from Davao and Mindanao” shared Dr. Torres after signing the MOA.
Under the agreement, the PSC shall provide the necessary technical and financial support for the creation and implementation of grassroots sports development policies, programs, projects, and activities for the University of Mindanao, and take necessary steps to ensure the sustainability of projects.
On the other hand, the University of Mindanao shall develop, in collaboration and coordination with the PSC, the policies, programs, projects, and activities for the University of Mindanao. Provide the training center/venues for the development and implementation of joint programs, projects, and activities to be undertaken and make resources available such as venues, local transportation, and other necessary assistance to accomplish said purposes.
Ramirez and Torres also announced the holding of the Mindanao Invitational Athletics Tournament—a joint project to be held on May 30 at the newly refurbished track facility.
“This is an Olympic sport and for the longest time wala na tayong homegrown track and field athlete, we would like to encourage people to get into the sport kasi there are many Filipino talents among us. We are very happy with this initiative.” Ramirez exclaimed.
Also present during the MOA signing were PSC Commissioners Celia Kiram, Arnold Agustin, and Charles Raymond Maxey, along with Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr, Deputy Executive Director Merlita Ibay, Dir. Christine Abellana and Chief of Staff and National Training Director Marc Edward Velasco.
