Recognize the efforts, not the clout.
In the past weeks, athletes had been bringing pride to their country and communities.
However, in Eastern Visayas, it's no secret that it's hard to find financial support from both government and private entities.
Ironically, once the battles are won and pride is brought, millions of pesos are easily being given like a birthday celebration casual gift.
"Kun mapabulig Waray kwarta pero kun may daog na tigda na nag kakagawas an mga suporta. Kaluoy naman la hadi na mga kabataan nga n ruyag mag pursue han Ira mga gusto nga sport," a local journalist and sports enthusiast rants.
Behind every success are years of hard work and thousands of pesos spent in training alone.
One of the first sports training centers in Leyte, the Leyte Sports Academy (LSA) which opened back in August 2010 under the province of Leyte, had been shaping young athletes for years.
According to Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla, running the training academy started with about P4 million but is now at P15 million annually as its facilities are improving and more athletes are being developed.
At present, over 50 athletes are enrolled in LSA
It started in Leyte
Started by LSA, in 2023, then Southern Leyte Rep. Luz Mercado (1st district) has filed a bill at the House of Representatives proposing the creation of a sports academy in the province.
Prior to that, Ormoc City, with the initiative of the then very athletic then Mayor Richard Gomez had also been gathering and developing athletes for future competitions in and outside of the country.
If more provinces would invest in the development and support of these young athletes over chasing the clout after their wins, Philippines will definitely be fighting and raking medals alongside many foreign countries.
It's about time the country to be known not just in the world of pageantry but in sports as well.
Filipinos are not just beauty and brains, we are also the home of great athletes with great potentials if given the right support guidance.
It's time to claim the heritage of our "kababayans" after winning and instead join them in the journey towards the gold.
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