The Department of Education-Schools Division Office (DepEd-SDO) of Ifugao and Ifugao Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) launched a weekly sports program held every Friday at 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Provincial Plaza Court.
This initiative aims to provide recreational activities that promote physical and mental well-being among staff members. The initial sports being played include basketball, volleyball, and badminton.
Manuel Bitog, Operations Divisions Office Director of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), expressed his hope for the other government agencies to be able join the initiative.
According to Kevin Segundo, a personnel from the PLGU, the sports activity was initiated by the Department of Education in collaboration with the Capitol Sports Office.
Accordingly, it was a long plan of the Ifugao Capitol’s Sports Office and it was actualized through DepEd-SDO’s initiatives.
Segundo explained that both institutions agreed and realized as it will help the health, wellness, and sports-orientedness among the government employees.
The weekly sports program invites all offices under the PLGU to join the program. The sports office also targets to include its auxiliary service-oriented bureaus such as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and others.
“The future plans on expanding participation of the other government units are still in progress,” said Bitog.
This sport-oriented program encourages employees to engage in various sports activities as a way to refresh from their daily office work routines.
PLGU in High Hopes for Expanding Participation
More than a sports convergence, the activity includes improving communication and bonding between the PLGU and DepEd-SDO personnels. Moreover, the success of the program is sustained through mutual cooperation and shared commitment from both organizations.
“Actually, yan ang next plan namin, to broaden the spectrum of the participants. As much as possible, we would want to engage the other government agencies dito sa aming activity. This will not only help them with their health, but also creates a bond with everybody (Actually, that is our next plan, to broaden the spectrum of the participants. As much as possible, we want to engage other government agencies in our activity. This will not only help them with their health but also creates bonds among everyone),” emphasized Bitog.
With this hope, challenges still remain, particularly regarding the availability of suitable venues for the said activity. Although, he stated that the participation among employees is active, there are still concerns like which venue is to be used.
Additionally, John N. Ganid, Administrative Officer of the Department of Education, noted that while the program attracts those who are athletically inclined, participation is still voluntary and not mandatory for all employees. This respects individual preferences while still promoting a culture of wellness.
The weekly sports program stands as a positive step towards creating a healthier, more active workforce, fostering teamwork, and enhancing the overall morale of government personnel.
As initiative grows, it assures to strengthen inter-agency relationships and contribute to the well-being of public servants in the province.// Elaiza B. Castillejos, BSU-DevCom Intern
