The whole sports program is currently under review. My focus actually is can we not concentrate on sports where we have a good chance of excelling. The President told Palace reporters in a chance interview at the Heroes’ Hall in Malacañang yesterday.
We have heard horror stories regarding sports over the years and we want to rectify all of them. But we have a government that is not awash with resources,” said Aquino, who, however, stressed that this could be solved with the Public Private Partnership program.
Of course, football is on top of the list, given what they have already demonstrated in addition to boxing and perhaps shooting,” The Chief Executive, a known sharpshooter, explained further. Aquino could not hide his happiness over the Azkals feat, considering the odds that the Philippine team had with football not among the country’s favorite sports.
They demonstrated hard work. Football does not have that big a pool of players but they still managed to really how shall I put it. They inspired so many of our countrymen,” he said. “And I think the inspiration was reciprocated by everybody who watched both live and on TV.
He added: “Your two goals showcased both Filipino creativity and the hard work you put in to master your sport. You brought our people together and reminded us once again that, united, we can reclaim our nation’s glory.”
Meanwhile, the country’s top sports officials yesterday extolled the Azkals feat, saying the rebirth of the sport is within sight even as they stressed the need of the private sector to help in the development of the sport.
The highest finish by any RP men’s football team in the SEAG was fourth when the country hosted the event exactly two decades ago. Sports patron Manny Pangilinan said it’s about time the country enjoys a football renaissance.
We should encourage the development of football, it is truly a global sport and it fits the Filipino physique and temperament,” said Pangilinan, whose company Smart, through the MVP sports foundation, recently pledged Philippine football P80 million for a 10 year partnership.