By Helen Castaño | 08:24 PM December 14, 2024
Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino personally attended the 2024 Bohol Provincial Athletic Meet held in Garcia Hernandez town on Saturday, Dec. 14 as guest of honor.
The Bohol Provincial Athletic Meet brings together more than 4,500 budding athletes. It serves as a platform for showcasing talent, fostering healthy competition, and nurturing future elite athletes.
The athletic meet saw the congregation of six teams- – -1st Congressional District, 2nd Congressional District, 3rd Congressional District, Bohol Association of Catholic School (Bacs) Talibon and Tagbilaran and BIT-International College (BIT-IC) –representing different districts within the province, each bringing their unique spirit and skills to the competition.
Furthermore, it was also attended by Gov. Aris Aumentado, Vice Gov. Tita Baja, Board Member Dionisio Joseph Balite, Department of Education (DepEd) – Central Visayas director Salustino Jimenez, Garcia Hernandez Mayor Jess Baja, Valencia Mayor Neil Balite, Anda Mayor Angelina Simacio, among others.
In his speech, Tolentino emphasized his commitment to the country’s sports sector and in promoting grassroots sports development nationwide especially in the countryside. He highlighted the integral role sports play in fostering youth camaraderie, sportsmanship, and discipline.
“Dili ta angay mawad-an og paglaum. Sige lang practice kay darating ang araw magiging champion kayo (We should not lose hope. Just keep practicing because one day you will be a champion),” he told the crowd in Bisaya, underlining the positive impact of sports on the well-being and development of young Filipinos and its role in nation-building.
The senator also reiterated his intention to continue advocating for more robust sports programs nationwide.
During the event, Tolentino also gave cash gift to Jhul Ian Canolita, 2024 South East Asian Bronze Medalist in 2000 m. steeple chase and Emily Balunan, 2024 South East Asian Games Athlete in Athletics- both from Garcia Hernandez town.
Tolentino has been active in pushing for various pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing the development of sports in the country. His work in this area is focused on improving infrastructure, supporting athletes, and encouraging greater participation in sports. Some notable initiatives related to sports development that he has been involved with include: National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act (Republic Act No. 10699): This law, passed in 2015, provides various benefits and incentives to national athletes and coaches, including scholarships, insurance, and other forms of financial support.
While Tolentino was not the principal sponsor of this law, his advocacy in the Senate on sports issues aligns with the goals of RA 10699.
Tolentino has been a strong advocate for the creation of a world-class sports training facility in the country. He has worked to promote the establishment of the Philippine Sports Training Center in New Clark City, Pampanga. This facility aims to provide elite athletes with the necessary infrastructure and resources for training and development, which is essential for improving the country’s performance in international sports competitions.
