Manila - Richard Bachmann, the chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), has expressed gratitude to several senators for their support in the agency's endeavor to secure a PHP3.7 billion budget for the complete rehabilitation of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Senators Christopher 'Bong' Go, Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, and Pia Cayetano have voiced their support for the PSC's 2024 budget increase.
According to Philippines News Agency, Go, the chair of the Committee on Sports and vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, has raised concerns about the disparity between the PSC's proposed budget and the overall national budget allocation. He pointed out that while the PSC had proposed a PHP3 billion budget, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved only PHP200 million for 2024, which is a mere fraction of the national budget. Go emphasized the critical role of sports in nation-building and the high expectations from Filipino athletes in international competitions. He also noted the insufficiency of the National Sports Development Fund, sourced from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), for meeting athletes' needs and refurbishing aging sports facilities like the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, which has been in use since 1934.
Senator Sonny Angara, chair of the Committee on Finance, echoed Go's sentiments, calling for greater consideration for the sports sector in future budgets. Senator Pia Cayetano, chair of the Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation and Futures Thinking, highlighted the crucial role of sports in youth development and nation-building. She also emphasized sports' role in preventing drug addiction and fostering national unity.
Bachmann, in his statement, recognized the senators' efforts and expressed optimism for the positive impact this support would have on elevating Filipino athletes and improving sports facilities in the country. The PSC budget has been submitted for plenary approval on November 14.