It took 20 years for the Philippines to bring home again an Olympic medal when Hidilyn Diaz delivered a silver in the women’s 53-kg weightlifting division in 2016. She was the first female athlete to win an Olympic medal for the Philippines.

But why did it take so long to get another medal from the Olympics? Sports analysts said there is a lack of attention from the government which results in the negligible allocation of budget in sports. Also, there have been issues concerning financial liquidation of sports agencies which, as a result, affect the financial support of local athletes.

In an effort to improve the athletic development of Filipinos, Senator Sonny Angara has re-filed Bill 330 which seeks to establish a Philippine High School for Sports. In response to the administration’s call to put up a national academy for sports, this bill is dedicated to the younger generation of athletes who seek to compete in the world sports stage while have a quality secondary education.

In a report by Inquirer.net, Angara said, “We are all waiting for the day when we will be able to watch more of our homegrown athletes competing at the world stage and seeing them bring home glory for the country.” Admission to the institution will follow a “try-out” system and other examinations to be conducted by the sports high school’s board of trustees.

It’s no secret that Filipinos love sports. It’s evident as how every local household used to treat now-senator Manny Pacquiao’s games as “holiday” when families gather together to watch and support. It’s also apparent with collegiate sports games like the University Athletic Association of the Philippines or the National Collegiate Athletic Association where sports teams are supported by their home universities and colleges.

With the push to bring the athletic development of Filipinos to the international scene, may this bill be sustainable enough for every young athlete in all areas of sports to receive the right support from the government and local sports agencies.

Header photo courtesy of Jonathan Chng on Unsplash

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