PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday enjoined the youth to uphold the values of sportsmanship and teamwork, which she said is important in light of the global financial crisis that the world faced.

Arroyo, in opening the 2009 Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa) national games at the University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City, also urged the youth to exert the same energy they use in sports in volunteering for community and civic works.

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She expects the Prisaa participants to exercise both teamwork and volunteerism either during this summer vacation by getting involved in the community and when they return to school.

The President earlier said she would form youth volunteer groups similar to the peace corps.

She also launched summer employment programs for the young wherein they would be paid minimum wages with the half to be paid in cash and the other half in the form of vouchers, which they could use to pay their tuition.

Joining Arroyo at Prisaa were Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya; University of Nueva Caceres executive vice president Lourdes Anonas; Prisaa national president Carlo Villanueva; Prisaa chairman Gonzalo Duque; Representatives Dato Arroyo, Arnulfo Fuentebella and Felix Alfelor Jr.; and Naga City officials led Mayor Jesse Robredo.

The weeklong 2009 Prisaa Games, which will be held from April 19 to 25, includes competitions on athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, chess, dance sports, football, lawn tennis, karatedo, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, vocal solo, and the Search for Mr. & Mrs. Prisaa 2009.

Some 5,000 athletes and officials, representing 17 regions of the country, are participating in the event. (JMR/Sunnex)