Senate OKs Bill Creating Talisay Sports Academy

The Senate has passed on third and final reading a bill originating from the House, House Bill 4461, that seeks to establish the Talisay Sports Academy and Training Center in Talisay City, Cebu.

In a statement, Senator Sonny Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Games, Amusement and Sports, said this would boost the morale of young Cebuano athletes and help them win international competitions given the right training and support.

The bill was originally authored by Cebu first district Rep. Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas.

Gullas said the center will be located in an area in Talisay where considerable development in facilities is already in place.

“In the continued pursuit for excellence by the Cebuanos in the field of sports, the establishment of the Talisay Sports Academy and Training Center will provide the necessary physical facilities and the provision of expert training resources in the various disciplines,” Gullas said.

Angara said the Senate’s approval of the measure is part of their efforts to expand the reach of the nation’s athletic programs and enhance the Philippine’s competitiveness in major sporting events such as the Southeast Asian Games.

“We have so much potential, but we still lack the policies, facilities and personnel needed to hone the skills and raw talent of those far away from the big training centers in Metro Manila and other urban centers,” Angara said.

He said the academy would become the primary sports development and training center in Cebu.

Angara said he believes that establishing sports academies will help jump-start grassroots sports development all over the country.

“With proper coordination and implementation among all sports academies throughout the country, we can hopefully train the future Manny Pacquiaos, Paeng Nepumucenos, Lydia de Vegas and the like,” Angara said. (PNA) LAP/EB/RSM