The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will be tapping the help of some of the country’s big collegiate leagues as they look to provide more avenues for aspiring athletes to further hone their skills.
PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said the PSC will spearhead the conduct of national tournaments pitting athletes from various collegiate tournaments.
The move is part of the objectives of the Philippine Sports Institute (PSI), which was relaunched last Monday at the PSC Multi-Purpose Arena in Pasig City.
“We are also trying to organize a university collegiate sports federation in the country. We will work with UAAP, NCAA, NAASCU, Cesafi in Cebu and other groups in Davao, north Luzon, so we could help support, nurture the collegiate athletes before going to the national scene,” said Ramirez.
Ramirez explained that national tournaments will be held separately across the country.
“There will be tournaments in Cebu, in Davao and in Manila. It will be like a national tertiary open championship,” said Ramirez, who tasked PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez to lead the program.
The program will prioritize the focus sports, which include boxing, taekwondo, archery, shooting, cycling, fencing, swimming, athletics, weightlifting and surfing.
“It is an expensive program so we will give priority to focus sports,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez said the program will be different from the Philippine National Games.
“The PNG will be held in Cebu in May. For the tertiary open, it will depend on the organization,” said Ramirez.