LAGAWE, Ifugao – – It’s an eye opener. At last!
Ifugao’s contingent to the forthcoming Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) meet in Baguio City could see its fortunes rise significantly as increased know-how of coaches brought forth by the infusion of trainers to the province’s sports program finally benefit the young athletes, according to sports coordinator Anthony Gallangi.
Without coming with a forecast, the Department of Education’s (DepEd) top sports advocate here, Gallangi said, there is an air of optimism among teachers and athletes, thanks to the just-concluded Division Training on Sports Coaching and Officiating in Lagawe.
“I am optimistic in a way the Ifugao delegation to the CARAA is going to perform well next year,” Gallangi said in an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly.
Guillermo Badangan, provincial sports coordinator, said at the closing program of the four-day activity held at the Ammungan Hall of the Division Office and three playing sites, that it is vital to enhance the development of Ifugao’s sports program.
On the other hand, Office of the Schools Division Superintendent OIC Geraldine Gawi called for the integration of the sports program and tourism industry in order to develop a tourism network that is vibrant and meets the socio-economic needs of the people.
Gawi adds it is important to augment the province’s sports outlook and encourage athletes to develop positive values such as discipline and hard work.
Gawi represented Schools Division Superintendent Sally Ulallim in the program.
About 160 teachers from the province’s 10 municipalities attended the all-important training program. Tinoc mentors were noticeably not around to pick up valuable information from top-notch trainers. Many were a bit surprised of their absence. Tinoc, perennial last place in the Ifugao provincial meet, reportedly held its district meet at about the same time this training program was being conducted.
The trainers included Jose Nicolas Cawed, Arnel Gamata, Michelle Joy de Leon, Danilo Eduardo, Rostum Kinggingan, Sheldon Degawan, Johnny Dulnuan, Donald Lid-ayan, Martes Teninio, Avelina Gulguluway, Milagros Dominong, Yoni Gamate, Vicky Madangon and Anthony Gallangi. They handled various sports disciplines.
In an informal impact evaluation discussion with the trainers not based in Ifugao and particularly from the CAR, they said there are glaring inaccuracies and deficiencies in the coaching modes, officiating practices as well as acquisition and use of sports equipment.
The errors produce results such as poor training teachings and lapses in officiating of games that is critical in regional and national competitions.
For long-term sports development program planning to succeed in the province, it is essential that the DepEd and the provincial government- under the able and strong leadership of Governor Pedro Mayam-o, adopt a strong sense of “partnership” of the programs, projects and activities to be pursued in the attainment of the goal of reigning supreme in prestige- laden competitions such as the CARAA, Palarong Pambansa (national games), Batang Pinoy and even the South East Asian Games (SEA Games).
Acquisition of cheap sports equipment or gadgets will do no good for the province “the table being used for ping-pong, for example, is in poor condition and obsolete,” a trainer pointed out.
Things are worse for young competitors who lack vitamins, minerals and food before, during and after the competition.
Without adequate support by way of annual or continuing budgetary allocations and appropriate laws, all of the plans, programs, projects and activities will be useless. They will simply remain in the drawing board and will in all likelihood result in dismal performances of Ifugao athletes.
Teachers interviewed by this scribe expect that there are lots of opportunities provided to them by this training program.
“We are thrilled that DepEd officials in the province, teachers who are taking part in this activity, trainers, Governor Pedro Mayam-o and many others are committed to sustaining Ifugao’s sports program through noteworthy undertakings as this one,” Provincial Schools Division Supervisor of Lamut District Juliet Apiit said.
“Through the spirit and challenging work carried out in the activity, this training program will continue to play an important role as a leading instrument of all concerned parties in upgrading their competencies,” she added.
This shall pave the way for many other good things to come. For one, the DepEd and the Mayam-o administration should finally listen to those who are advocating the adoption of the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) program to invigorate Ifugao’s sports program. Implementing the PPP scheme as a flagship strategy is so important. It is simply because it has been proven that much can be accomplished when the private and public sectors join hands and work together.
The well-motivated, highly inspired teachers attentively listened to the speakers and trainers. This could be a sign of things to come. There’ll be no indecisiveness in handling these vital concerns. What is now really important to consider is where the training program’s outputs will go?
Consider the fact: Ifugao’s one gold medal advantage over Mountain Province in the last CARAA in Baguio City. How much more “prodding” should be exerted before the powers-that-be at the provincial capitol building take decisive action? **By Anthony A. Araos
