IN RECENT months, we have been bombarded by many news and issues that were not so encouraging. One bright ray of information in the quest for peace was the passing of Committee Bill 52, creating the Bangsamoro Sports Commission for the Barmm. RA 11054 or the "Bangsamoro Organic Law" guaranteed that the governance of the Barmm will have parallel national agencies that will help them, the BSC is one of them.
Last week, through Coach Noli Ayo of AdDU Athletics, I had the privilege to meet and talk to the BSC chairperson, Nhoa Caludtiag and ask him about the BSC. The conversation was very light and candid. We were able to talk about their plans and programs for the BSC, how it interfaces with the national PSC, how it would look like in terms of organizational structure, among others.
While separate from the PSC, the BSC is in close coordination with the PSC in terms of programs. They have already begun meeting with the PSC Mindanao headed by Comm. Charles Maxey. They have a similar organizational set up with the chairman and five commissioners assigned to the five provinces within the Barmm.
It was also inspiring to note that the young chairperson was already looking beyond sports for the BSC.
More than skills enhancement for the Bangsamoro athletes, he sees sports as a tool for peace and transitional justice in the Barmm. Sports have always been the great equalizer. There is war, indifference, and injustice; sports have come through to unite, foster understanding, and promote justice. And in our country hounded by many of these, sports have linked us in more ways than one. Even the PSC has initiated the Sports for Peace Program-Children's Games at the Marawi Crisis's onset in 2017.
One valuable trait in leadership is a vision, focusing one's attention on what matters most. While manifested in the leader's actions, beliefs, and values, this vision must also permeate in the organization. For the BSC, developing sports is a given. But beyond, it is also utilizing it to promote peace. This was very clear with Chairperson Nhoa. He plans to continue seeking collaborations and partnerships for the BSC and the Barmm. It is an articulation of his vision for the BSC.
His vision is shared by many sports for peace advocates, including myself. The BSC has an ally in their sports for peace advocacy.