LINGAYEN, Pangasinan- – -Following the success of the 1st Governor’s Cup Inter-Town Basketball Tournament which is now on its quarterfinal games, another brainchild program of the provincial chief executive dubbed 1st Pangasinan Inter-LGU Unity Games is tentatively scheduled to be launched on March 17.
In a conference participated in by various city/municipal sports coordinators throughout Pangasinan recently at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) restaurant, Pangasinan Sports Management Council Executive Officer Modesto Operania said that the activity is part of the sports program which is envisioned by Gov. Amado I. Espino III as an effective way of uniting the province.
Operania noted that the present administration endeavors to further unite all local government units through the conduct of ball games that will foster and strengthen camaraderie among employees and elected officials in all towns and cities of the province.
As explained by Dr. Edilberto Abalos, SBD Regional Director and tournament over-all commissioner during the conference proper, team categories will be composed of two clusters. Comprising Cluster A are cities and municipalities whose income classifications are 1st to 2nd class while Cluster B is made up of towns whose income class fall under 3rd to 5th class.
Abalos said that both basketball team for men and volleyball team for women shall be composed of not more than 14 players.
It can be recalled that Gov. Espino himself presided the first meeting of the Pangasinan Sports Development and Management Council (PSDMC) and gave marching orders regarding the sports program that he wants to establish to enhance homegrown athletes.
Expressing full trust on the sports abilities of local athletes, the Governor is keen on establishing a sports program that will start from the grassroots level through widespread talent-selection, high caliber training program, proper health and nutrition, and adequate provisions of equipment/facilities.
With regards to the upcoming LGU Unity Games, Gov. Espino expressed optimism that the activity will serve not as a competition but as a venue where government employees and officials will be united as one team.
By Dexter A. See
