THE strong thrust of the Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC) to establish a grassroots development program is proving to be effective, according to CPSC executive director Ramil Abing.
Abing, a lawyer, said a testament to CPSC’s successful grassroots program is the improved performance of Cebu Province’s athletes in the recent Batang Pinoy National Finals in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
After a sixth-place finish last year, the province finished seventh in the overall medal tally in the recent meet. Despite dropping one rank lower, the province won more medals this year although it sent a smaller delegation.
Last year, the province only bagged a total of 14 medals. This year, the province raked in 18 golds, 18 silvers and 17 bronzes.
“The grassroots program that we established this year greatly contributed to our successful campaign in Batang Pinoy. I think it’s a pretty good year for CPSC and we want to make it known to everyone that CPSC exists towards grassroots development,” said Abing.
CPSC’s province-wide grassroots development focuses on athletics, futsal, basketball and volleyball. The program includes the conduct of training programs for coaches and athletes.
“We reached out to all of Cebu Province’s districts, but we are well aware that we still lack in some aspects but we promise that we will continue and improve our program next year.” said Abing who thanked Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III for increasing CPSC’s budget for next year.
From P10 million this year, the 2017 budget was doubled to P20,000,000.