LAGAWE, Ifugao– All those hard work and sacrifices resulted in big dividends for two youthful Ifugao weightlifters in the just-concluded Batang Pinoy National Championships.
Jones Bodah and Arwin Palatic, both of Hungduan town, brought home a silver medal each from the prestigious competition.
Bodah, who competed in the 62 kg event at the boys’ category, recorded a stellar performance by posting impressive numbers in his snatch as well as clean and jerk attempts.
Manila’s John Kevin Padullo snared the gold with a lift of 245 kg (110 in snatch and 135 in clean and jerk), a good 15 kg better than the 230 (105-125) of Bodah. Clyde Kent Enriquez of Zamboanga City took the bronze medal.
Palatic who took part in the 62 kg of the boys’ category, also submitted remarkable numbers. Junnel Montecino of Tagbuilaran City and Joni Batcon of Mandaue City placed first and third, respectively.
Both Bodah and Palatic are members of the famed Hungduan Weightlifting Club.
Four other Ifugao weightlifters failed to land in the medal podium.
“We believe that giving our athletes ample preparations is the proper step in giving them a better chance against the rest of the field in any competition,” Governor Pedro Mayam-o said.
In an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly, Governor Mayam-o said establishing the appropriate training program and positive attitude that encourage high competitive spirit were keys in achieving the gains the Ifugao lean but mean delegation have made.
In promoting the province’s sports program, Governor Mayam-o had said that it was his administration’s “strategy” in investing in Ifugao’s most important resources, its people.
“It is only engaging with and investing in the entire spectrum of the vibrant youth that we are able to reap a vast field opportunity,” Governor Mayam-o pointed out.
On the other hand, sports coordinator Guillermo Badangan said the Hungduan weightlifters are “particularly important” to Ifugao “because it is where we have a comparative advantage.”
Badangan added: “I’m so glad that Governor Mayam-o is around to help them fulfill their potential.”
In the meantime, Board Member James Frederick Dulnuan, in another interview, said the government must take the initiative in focusing on the grassroots-level for the province’s sports program to spin-off or develop.
“This is what we ask the officialdom to consider. Apart from being gold, silver or bronze medalist, they are also nation-builders,” he quipped.
“The victories they scored in the Batang Pinoy National Championship not only brought honor to their town and province but also affect the future of our beloved country,” he said.
Board Member Dulnuan, who is the chairman of the Committee on Education and Public Information, said that winning in the much-awaited Batang Pinoy also serve as a springboard for an athlete who is setting his or her sight at the Palarong Pambansa (National Games) and the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
“The challenge, therefore, for all of us in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, is to work hard to ensure that the support and enthusiasm of partners in the public and private sectors will continue and pave the way for more accomplishments in the future, and ultimately align all government efforts with the dreams and aspirations of our youthful athletes,” he asserted.
Asked why the need to pump up support for athletes and the likes, Dulnuan underscores the fact that sports and physical fitness programs are vital to keep school children healthy and productive.
Board Member Dulnuan has endeavored for government policies related to sports development.
Indeed, these athletes are Ifugao’s future. People would like to see them succeed at all cost.
Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz ended a 20-year Olympic medal drought when she won a silver medal in the 31st Olympic Games in Rio De Jainero, Brazil last August.
Weightlifting has made a significant inroad in the region. It is a major event in the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet.
Over 5,000 athletes competed during the six-day Batang Pinoy National Championships. It was held at the DavNor Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City, Davao del Norte **By Anthony A. Araos
