Senator Pia Cayetano expressed her excitement over the construction of the long-awaited athletes’ dormitory within the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, a project that has gained even more significance following our national athletes’ best Olympic performance yet at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Envisioning a facility that will provide a supportive environment that enables Filipino athletes to achieve even better outcomes, Cayetano said the new dormitory represents an investment in our athletes' potential, creating an ecosystem that supports their journey towards athletic excellence and future success on the world stage.
Part of a P100-million initiative under the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the project was championed by Senator Cayetano, who serves as the Senior Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, with crucial support from former Chairperson Senator Sonny Angara, who is now Education Secretary.
A staunch sports advocate, Cayetano highlighted the progress of Philippine sports, particularly as the country successfully secured two gold and two bronze medals in the Olympics courtesy of gymnast Carlos Yulo and boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas. These victories secured the country's position as the best-performing country in Southeast Asia.
“One athlete can change the lives of so many young people. Hanga ang mga kabataan sa kanila,” she said, recognizing that elite athletes are not made overnight and that the discovery of local talent and early integration of sports are essential.
“These athletes, these medalists did not get their Olympic medals by the stroke of luck. It was grueling hard work, prioritizing training, and maybe even compromising family responsibilities. These are sacrifices that they made for over a decade to get to where they are today, to bring pride and honor to our country,” Cayetano said.
The senator also said it is important that long-term dedication and support are felt by Filipino athletes who wish to compete on the international stage. To this end, she supports funding for athletic programs at various State University Colleges (SUCs) and grassroots sports initiatives like Spike & Serve, Tuloy Foundation Football, and Payatas Football Club.
Beyond the construction of the much-needed athletes’ dormitory, Cayetano also authored several key legislations, including the Student-Athletes Protection Act, the National Academy of Sports Act, and the National Athletes, Coaches, and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act. These efforts underscore her commitment in improving support not just for athletes, but also for coaches and trainers.
"In terms of legislation, it's part of our job to support our athletes. They bring so much pride and joy to the country. We must give them commensurate financial support so they can perform well," she said.
Through her advocacy arm Pinay In Action (PIA), which has been organizing sports clinics and tournaments for nearly two decades, the senator actively promotes the growth of sports in the country and remains optimistic that this marks the beginning of a new era for Filipino athletes.
“This is just the start of greater feats for our talented national athletes. Let's keep supporting them and Philippine sports!” she said.
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