Walay budget is the usual response I get from various personnel at the Department of Education here on requests that I present to them.
So you may be curious, what do I request for anyway that would get a response of walay budget?
Having been involved in the sport of athletics for many years, and over 10 years now here in the Philippines, I ponder on the need for specific sports equipment for our athletes.
From elementary through high school, our athletes don’t have the necessary equipment for the expected improved performance.
Neither do we have enough personnel who can adequately train and administer most of our sports programs.
So I’m sure you understand why we need to know why this well-funded government Department cannot even acquire the much-needed training equipment that would improve our students physical performances. Walay budget?
My thoughts on that: If there is not enough funds to invest in the sorely-needed training equipment, why is it that every year, DepEd is able to purchase elaborate uniforms for the athletes and coaches, and including the officials who participate in regional meets?
Millions of pesos are spent on caps, t-shirts, rubber shoes, the useless matching jogging pants and jackets, and even backpacks!
Will all those expenditures on those clothing actually improve the performance of the competing athletes?
Of course, not! Even your answer will be a resounding no.
Growing up as a high school runner and then later on as coach in the US, we were only provided the basic sports uniform — which would even be returned after the season ended.
Here in the Philippines it seems, competition is based on porma, the packaging, all for-show; actual show of physical skills, strength and endurance is an afterthought.
I have been coaching at the Presbyterian School in Cantil-e, and they have graciously provided me with a room to set up equipment for the training of their athletes. I have slowly purchased sports equipment over the years.
And we have seen a marked difference in the athletes’ performance.
Even the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, did much more than just run, to achieve his fastest speed of 9.58 seconds to cover 100 meters, or a mere 19.19 seconds to sprint 200 meters. The 11-time world champion used many different equipment and machines to obtain his goal before becoming the fastest man in the world.
Even mere high schools in the US invest in equipment, sporting facilities and workout rooms to hone the physical potential of the students (see photo here).
Of course, we can’t match what they have in the West but we gotta need to start somewhere.
I have also personally seen a number of athletes who perform well enough to advance to the Regional competition, but after that, they simply loose steam until they cease to practice. They couldn’t care less about competing anymore. They are just uninspired. Maybe some just wanted the goodies?
So sad, but I suspect this is really due to lack of support because yet again, walay budget.
The Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVRAA) meet will be held beginning on March 15 right here in Dumaguete City. Stay tuned for the athletic results.
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Author’s email: [email protected]