In a resolution, Vice Governor Eliordo Ogena and members of the Sangguniang
Panlalawigan endorsed the initiative citing provisions of the 1987 Constitution mandating the promotion of “physical education and encourage sports program, league competitions and amateur sports, including training for international competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry.”
Ogena, who authored the resolution, stressed that the proposed council will integrate all sports programs in the province and provide a venue for sports associations to work together and exchange ideas.
“It will maximize financial resources, focus endeavors and priorities, marshal the widest participation of all sectors, and eventually achieve greater heights in sports excellence,,” he said.
The move, he said, was also anchored on the provincial government’s belief that a “unified and primarily mass-based provincial sports promotion and development program under a single, unified and integrated provincial sports policy-making body” will usher in huge successes in sports excellence and in various regional and national sports competitions.
The resolution said the creation of the council is aimed at: promoting leadership; the formulation of policies and set priorities and direction of all amateur sports promotion and development within the province, particularly giving emphasis on grassroots participation; the formulation, as soon as practicable, of an integrated and sustainable provincial sports development program; and, to access funds and other resources to supplement government appropriations for sports promotion and
development.
The proposed sports council will be headed by the governor, who would act as chair. The council membership would include the chair of the provincial board’s committee on sports, a representative from the Department of Education and two others who would be appointed by the governor from nominees submitted by accredited sports associations in the province.
The resolution said the province needs a functional sports council since most residents, especially the youth, are interested in sports.
“Despite the absence of a unified, integrated and sustained efforts, the combined efforts of the provincial government, local government units, provincial sports associations and the private sector has brought home modest achievements and honors in various sports,” it added.