THE Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC) had a bad start. To be honest, like a few, I was skeptical of its purpose when it started. I got an invitation to be a resource speaker on the creation of the CPSC but I decided to ignore it.
It was sort of justified because months later, fans thought the CPSC was nothing more than a glorified commercial basketball organization that had no concerns or program whatsoever for grassroots sports. Heck, to be honest, Cebu Province had a better sports program when it didn’t have a sports commission.
But that was then. A change in personnel meant also a change in direction in CPSC. From being a pseudo-commission, it became a real sports commission with grassroots programs not limited to one sport alone.
Proof of that change--and the fruits of that labor--was evident when Ramon Fernandez of the Philippine Sports Commission turned over a P2-million check for Cebu Province’s fifth place finish during the Philippine National Games last Tuesday. The turnover was also witnessed by members of Cebu Province’s Batang Pinoy delegation, which won 23 golds, 10 silvers and 21 bronze medals.
It could have been 24 gold medals had Coach Eleazer Toledo’s Girls 13 team competed under Cebu Province as originally planned but the last-minute proved beneficial for Mandaue City, whose banner the team was flying during its golden heist in Baguio City.
It’s not only in the LGU-based competition that Cebu Province is playing catch-up (finally), but also in the Department of Education organized meets. From playing second-fiddle to Cebu City in terms of support and equipment, Cebu Province athletes now enjoy top-of-the-line backing.
Heck, the Cebu Province’s Batang Pinoy medalists will be the envy of the rest as Capitol is set to give out P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000 incentives.
I attended the turnover and got to talk with Capitol adminstrator Mark Tolentino and the ever reliable Ramil Abing, the CPSC’s go to guy. The two shared a piece of good news; Cebu Province will break ground for its multi-purpose gym in Lahug on Oct. 19, emphasis on the multi-purpose.
The timing couldn’t have been better as I learned that Cebu is being eyed as one of a training center for futsal in the country and both Cebu Province and the Cebu Football Association have been very active in promoting the sport.
With a new venue, you can expect a mushrooming of futsal tournaments here in the future.