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| AFP Chief Gen. Cirilito Sobrejana, Philippine Sports Commission (POC) chairman William Ramirez, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino and Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) chairman Michael Barredo have virtually tackled their newly-forged commitment of nurturing and developing world a class soldier athletes among different units. (Image Source: ABS-CBN News) |
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has renewed its partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) that aims to promote physical fitness and develop world-class athletes among different units. AFP Chief Gen. Cirilito Sobrejana, PSC chairman William Ramirez, POC president Abraham Tolentino and PPC chairman Michael Barredo have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the said measure in a virtual ceremony held last May 20, 2021 inside Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
The MOA between the AFP and national sports organizations provides for the management, development and training of identified and potential soldier-athletes who shall compete in both local and international sports competitions. Under the memorandum, the AFP will continue to formulate and implement a comprehensive sports development program for all military personnel and provide administration and control to soldier-athletes and coaches to be in detail with the PSC. The agreement is valid for three years upon the signing of the parties which can be renewed under the same terms and conditions.
The AFP shall further provide qualified athletes and coaches in events involving speed and distance, combative sports, target sports, aquatic sports, forms and power sports and selected net sports. The military will also support the national grassroots sports programs of the PSC, POC, PPC and National Sports Associations (NSAs) for the impending establishment of the Priority Sports, Priority Athletes and Regional Development Plan. Among other commitments, the PSC shall provide technical assistance to the rationalized establishments, maintenance and management of viable Olympic-standard military sports centers and facilities. In coordination with the POC and PPC, it will also afford the use of PSC sports facilities to military-athletes, groups and associations.
The PSC shall also reserve slots and incorporate in the requests for travel AFP's representatives with appropriate allowances during international sporting events including the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and the Olympics. On the other hand, the POC and PPC shall provide training programs to selected coaches, referees, officials, administrators, instructors and allied specialists to enhance sports capabilities, professional and technical skills, and know-how. Furthermore, the committees will also provide professional support to the AFP in terms of program development in preparation for high-level competitions locally and abroad.
