A party-list lawmaker called on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.(Pagcor) to continue working with the Philippine Sports Commission towards improving sports facilities across the country.
“Sports are crucial in developing our youth. It instills discipline, grit, a drive for excellence, among many other positive values. These are values that will benefit not only young Filipinos, but also the other lives they will be able to touch throughout their lives,” said Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos.
Bernos emphasized the importance of creating sports facilities at the grassroots level to provide the youth with opportunities for productive activities.
“That is why I hope the Pagcor will continue working with the PSC and other government bodies and fulfill its mandate of helping sports flourish in our country.”
Under Republic Act No. 6847 or the Philippine Sports Commission Act, Pagcor is mandated to remit five% of its gross income to the PSC to finance the country’s integrated sports development program.
Bernos emphasized the importance of creating sports facilities at the grassroots level to provide the youth with opportunities for productive activities.
“Kung may sports facilities at programs, mae-engganyo ang mga bata na lumahok, at mailalayo natin sila sa tukso ng droga at iba pang bisyo,” the lawmaker said.
She also hailed the introduction of cash incentives in this year’s Palarong Pambansa, which she said would be “a nice bonus” for the young athletes for their hard work.
Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. announced during the sports meet’s opening that P10 million had been set aside to reward medalists of regular sports and para games would be rewarded with cash prizes for the first time. Gold medalists will receive P5,000, silver medalists P3,000, and bronze medalists P2,000.
The 66th Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur closed last May 31 with than 13,000 student-athletes from across the country.
