The 200-member Philippine delegation graced the opening of the 14th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) with the support of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
This is in line with the sport development agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with the objective of strengthening school-based sports in preparation for young athletes to compete in higher level of competition.
Leading the delegation is Chef de Mission Dr. Miguel Angelo Mantaring, Director IV of DepEd-Bureau of Learner Support Services.
Assisting Mantaring is Deputy Chef de Mission Cesar Abalon, Chief of BLSS–School Sports Division, in overseeing the athletes competing against other participants from the eight member countries of the ASEAN.
The Philippines will compete in eight sports: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, at Swimming, gayundin ang Netball, Pencak Silat, Sepak Takraw, at Wushu.
A total of 340 medals ang up for grabs in the sports competition.
In his message, Education Secretary Sonny Angara told athletes to maintain integrity and dedication.
“Ang mahalaga ay ma-enjoy ninyo ang bawat sandali, makabuo ng pagkakaibigan, at maiuwi ang mga life lessons na matututunan ninyo sa bawat laban.”
“Ang mahalaga ay ma-enjoy ninyo ang bawat sandali, makabuo ng pagkakaibigan, at maiuwi ang mga life lessons na matututunan ninyo sa bawat laban. Keep fighting with fairness, dignity, and pride, and always carry our flag with honor,” Angara said.
PSC Chairman Pató Gregorio, on the other hand, assured support to the athletes.
Gregorio stressed the importance of working with DepEd to better support student athletes and enhance the quality of school sports in the country.
“We are sincere, we are driven, and we want to make our athletes happy.”
“That is the collaboration we want to strengthen. We are sincere, we are driven, and we want to make our athletes happy,” Gregorio stressed.
The delegation hopes to do better than the sixth-place finish during the previous ASG in Nang, Vietnam.
