By Anthony A. Araos
Going things with clear boundaries is an important strategy to improve the quality of services being delivered to the people.
This is a scaled-up narrative of the accomplishments of Ifugao Governor Jerry Dalipog in the field of sports development.
Surely, Governor Dalipog is still ramping up on his initiatives. Ifugao has undergone more than seven years of innovation and development in this field. The latest development is in line with the governor’s mission to make life’s journey through its ever-evolving journey of challenges and a memorable experience that puts forward positive results and honor for stakeholders.
Known for his reliability to back up well meaning endeavors, Governor Dalipog has been the undisputed best-ever performing chief executive in the province since time immemorial and there are so many good reasons for that. If further boasts his impressive credentials as Ifugao’s only three-termer governor and now the chairman of the Regional Development Council. And of course, the abundance of opportunities among the young to engage in other competitive sports such as wushu, taekwondo, wrestling, arnis and pencak silat.
With Governor Dalipog standing side-by-side with sepak takraw proponents, the sports has been picking itself up from the effects of grueling energy crisis, which resulted to more difficulties to folks already long burdened by the high cost of living.
Apparently, this is the logic behind the staging of a sepak takraw tournament at IFSU Nayon.
Well, this discussion rages on and this already has had a far reaching on the people. Is it important? The development of sporting culture accessible to the people is a must. For it’s a vital tool to promote human development and improvement of the quality of life.
No country can ever develop without a viable sports program. Amidst hardships, Governor Dalipog aims to promote a reliable and people-centered sports program.
The Local Government Code of 1991 entitles local government units to pursue sports undertakings. The conduct of annual palarong barangay which shall feature sports and disciplines included in national and international competitions, in coordination with the Department of Education is well-explained. Yet village officials are obviously afraid to get out of their comfort zone and are just “satisfied” with indigenous sports events.
Sports facilities are to be developed and upgraded to be at par with global standards. This is what Governor Dalipog intended with the Ifugao Sports Complex. The provincial government currently operates it.
There’s much else to do. Expand the grassroots sports development program of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and strengthen local and international linkages in sports.
There is a pressing need to reach more unserved remote villages of Ifugao, for example in Caba, Dulao, Jucbong and Tupaya- all in Lagawe.
Effort is required to help poor Ifugao folks understand and appreciate the significance of sports in their lives. Hence, the dissemination of information is essential otherwise the purpose of prioritizing these programs and overseeing them of provincial sports coordinator Manny Bitog will be described as meaningless.
Of course, more is involved in enhancing the people’s awareness in the role of sports for physical, emotional and mental well-being.
So I’m encouraging folks to move and to pursue strong interest in sports. The programs and initiatives of Governor Dalipog have been incremental to many Ifugao folks specifically how it is able to address their ever-changing needs and responsibilities.
Keep the ball rolling and high. Going sepak takraw, and beyond! Apart from it, are there others coming up? Probably. All in the name of raising healthy folks. I’m a firm believer in better public awareness and education as the more effective weapon to empower them.
There is an immense amount of pressure to complete the sports agenda before Governor Dalipog moves to a higher position in 2028.
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