SEVERAL lawmakers have made proposals to create more Olympic-capable athletes in light of the country’s successful run at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
The country is expected to finish the tilt with two gold medals and two bronzes in the global sporting conclave, buoyed by the double gold haul of Carlos Edriel Yulo and bronze medals each from boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio.
In a statement, Deputy Majority Leader and Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Alfred de los Santos proposed that student athletes may avail of the voucher programs being offered by the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education, such as Educational Service Contracting (ESC), Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS VP), Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), and the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act (UniFAST).
He said that this could be used to allow sports-proficient students from public schools that lack sports facilities to enroll in private schools.
“For example, to help varsity students in the private colleges and universities, we can include student-athletes in the priority category. If granted TES, and thus, less worry regarding finances, the student-athletes can focus on their studies and sports training,” de los Santos said.
He also suggested partnerships between academic institutions and sports organizations that can facilitate research and development in sports science, which he believes could lead to innovative coaching techniques and strategies.
Further, de los Santos said that highly educated coaches can implement evidence-based training programs, optimize athlete performance, and reduce the risk of injury among athletes.
“Enhancing the qualifications and expertise of sports coaches through advanced education and interdisciplinary training is essential for the country’s ambition to produce world-class athletes and achieve greater success in international competitions,” de los Santos added.
Deputy Minority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera, meanwhile, urged the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to request for higher meal allowance rates for national athletes.
“I believe the lowest rate should be P25,000 to P30,000, so the PSC should aim for that and adjust all other rates upward. They should ask now while we are still in euphoria over the Olympic medal harvest and the individual performances,” Herrera said.
She also said that the PSC should request a P2 billion budget in the 2025 General Appropriations Act, up from its proposed P413 million allocation in the National Expenditure Program.
“If we really want to win more medals in international competitions, the budget should be, at least, P2 billion in 2025 and every year after that, aside from the increases in the basic and meal allowances,” Herrera said.
Barangay Health and Wellness Rep. Angelica Co, on the other hand, said that sports economy policies will “nurture and empower our athletes and produce professionals who work to make our athletes fulfill their Olympic dreams.”
“The Filipino youth need laws, policies, programs, and projects that bring out their talents and aspirations, no matter whatever background and status they come from. Sports can be the way to success and happiness for many children and teenagers,” Co said.
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