PSC taps MASTS to boost grassroots program

MANILA – The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) hopes to boost its national grassroots sports program with the help of the Mindanao Association of State Tertiary Schools Inc. (MASTS).

Commissioner Edward Hayco encouraged MASTS to be one of the PSC’s implementing arm in the national grassroots initiative program by being the regional training hub for young athletes on the way up to their dream of being part of the national pool.

“We believe that future Olympians do not only come from Manila, most of them can be discovered from the outskirts away from the city,” Hayco said during the National Grassroots Sports Summit Workshop conducted by MASTS at the Josefina H. Cerilles State College in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday.

Hayco said this will open wider opportunities for young athletes who excelled from major competitions like the Batang Pinoy, Philippine National Games and Palarong Pambansa.

Sports leaders were also taught to build a network among local government units for sourcing funds and lobbying a locally-based grassroots program for its continuity and expansion all throughout the years.

“We’re teaching them to be complete-package sports leaders and to be aware that you don’t need to be a high-ranking sports official to nurture an Olympian,” said Hayco, who oversees the agency’s grassroots development program.

Last January, PSC chairman Richard Bachmann held dialogues with sports stakeholders in Davao City, Cotabato City, Iligan City, Marawi City and Ozamis and Tangub City in Misamis Occidental about improving regional sports facilities available for all Mindanaoans, and promoting peace and inclusivity through sports. (PNA)