By Anthony A. Araos
The softball game (female) between Alfonso Lista and Lagawe at the just-concluded Ifugao provincial athletic meet in Kiangan, is one of boundless possibilities and transcending expectations. It was a match-up for supremacy of this popular event, yet played only by a few in this province. No competition for male side took place and only two towns competed in the said event.
Two games easily ruled by a combined team of students from Eastern Potia National High School and the Sta. Maria National High School. I saw both the preliminary and final game at the Lagawe Central School grounds.
Fair and square, Alfonso Lista emerged triumphant. Without a doubt, Alista is Numero Uno (number one). The performances of Alista athletes are truly admirable. It only fortified the town’s distinction as the “sports capital” of Ifugao.
Public officials, educators and all other well-meaning folks who care about the young should take note of the socio-economic background of these promising athletes. They are poor.
In many ways, they are in the same standing with the vast majority of Ifugao athletes. Their parents are farmers and fisher folks. Hence, I call them “Athletes in Poverty.” By continuing their efforts to do well in sports, they are reaching out for the real life-better life. Rising up through sports are truly one of the best thing that one can do. For starters, think of the next Carlos Yulo (gymnastics), Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting), Alex Eala (tennis) or Manny Pacquiao (boxing). Nothing is more than exciting than seeing the next sports icon is from Ifugao.
Ifugao is one of the poorest provinces in the country. They are no strangers to a painful life. Their parents’ struggle each day just trying to make both ends meet. Most of the time, they are not satisfied because their daily needs are unmet. There is so much pain. And they keep hoping alive that tomorrow could be a better day. Pain, in all of its forms, is the body’s most effective means of spurring action. Where defense was as much of a concern to deflect strong punches and kicks during a wushu match between hopefuls from Mayoyao and Aguinaldo, I realized why these poor athletes are giving their “very best” to win. It’s a ticket to fame. It’s a way to get out from the vicious cycle of poverty. It’s a route to CARAA and the Palarong Pambansa (National Games).
Stress-related issues, frustration and anxiety disorders have all skyrocketed over the past twenty years on low budget, inadequate training and equipment of Ifugao athletes, despite the fact that it is being operated by education department. The crisis is existential. This is certainly a difficult pill to swallow. Certainly, beating your opponents from Baguio City, Benguet, Abra or Mountain Province doesn’t come cheap.
I saw a number of upcoming Ifugao athletes in the last meet. Had I been indifferent, I would have ignored the fact that they were under funded, under trained, under equipped and even underfed. All the time! There’s a myth in Ifugao that they can do it all against the super-charged, well-trained athletes of Baguio. For how long they’re getting out of that shit?
That’s why, this could be the best opportunity to make a turnaround. The forthcoming CARAA in La Trinidad, Benguet: Another big-time meet, another competition to test the mettle of Ifugao athletes.
What is to be done? Infuse more funds, better and longer training, provide new equipment and gadgets. Put simply, Ifugao athletes deserve a better deal.
Many people have become indifferent to time-honored values. Values underlie everything we are and do. Sports and values are interconnected. Whey glued together bemedalled athletes and exemplary attitudes of discipline and perseverance can provide a powerful stimulus to inspire and motivate the youth.
Congratulations to Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) Daniel Tayaban (of Alfonso Lista). He was instrumental in ushering various initiatives to propel once more the Alfonso Lista delegation to greater heights at the Kiangan meet.**
