TO say that President Rodrigo R. Duterte is the only Philippine president who showed genuine love and concern for Filipino athletes and Philippine sports, in general, may raise some eyebrows from his bashers. But I stand on what I just said.
For nearly six years, I have witnessed and experienced how he cared for the athletes even just by simply showing up and cheering them on every Palarong Pambansa staging in different cities and provinces.
The last Palaro Mayor Rody graced was the one that Davao City hosted in 2019 where he bowed before thousands of young athletes at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex on April 28, 2019. Such a gesture spoke volumes. It showed his respect and high regard for the boys and girls who have trained hard to reach the national level of competition.
Opening the doors of MalacaƱang to welcome, send off, or honor national athletes became a norm when it never happened in past admins.
He was also present in the Philippine National Games held in Cebu in 2018.
He never runs short of appreciation for them and for what the athletes do for the country. And yes, he is generous to reward them for their feats, like a father doting on his children.
Under his term came the country's first Olympic gold medal and the best finish in the quadrennial games with one gold, two silvers, and a bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Philippines scored another overall championship in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2019.
In his administration, the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC-RA 11214) and the National Sports Academy (NAS- RA 11470) were signed into law; rehabilitated the Mindanao State University's track oval in Marawi City; implemented the RA 10699 that provides discount privileges for the national team; strengthened the grassroots sports program such as the Batang Pinoy, which recorded the biggest number of participants since its inception; and para-athletes received the same allowance rate as regular athletes.
With the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) at the helm, the current administration also rehabilitated and refurbished different sports facilities in the country including the restoration of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Philsports Multi-Purpose Arena, and the Ninoy Aquino Stadium;
spent P2.7 billion to support elite athletes' foreign training, allowances, supplies, equipment, and venues to produce 19 Olympians and six Paralympians; special sectors were given importance with the Women in Sports, Children's Games, and Indigenous People Games programs; two cycles of the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame where 10 sports greats were enshrined into the gallery of the country's sports heroes; and held the National Sports Summit.
With only three months left in office, separation anxiety is real. This early, a lot of athletes and sports enthusiasts seem not ready to let go of the best Philippine president who has done so much for sports in such a very short time.
Will the next president be as genuine as Mayor Digong? Whoever he or she may be, President Duterte's legacy in sports is unparalleled and it will indeed be a big shoe to fill.
But I take this opportunity to thank you, Mr. President, Mayor Rody, for everything that you have done for the good of sports and the betterment of the athletes.
Only in your term that Visayas and Mindanao sportswriters were also given the opportunity to cover PSC-organized programs. Your governance is inclusive, not just for Luzon or the NCR.
For all that, daghan kaayong salamat!