Bill for creation of Department of Sports being proposed

MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers in the Philippines are proposing the formation of a Department of Sports that will “provide leadership in the promotion and development of sports in the country,” according to a news release by the House of Representatives on Friday, August 19.

Authored by Representative Karlo Alexei B. Nograles from the 1st District in Davao City and PBA Partylist Representative Jericho Jonas B. Nograles, House Bill 65 “seeks to address the lack of a comprehensive national sports program for the country.”

According to Karlo Nograles, the bill will aim to improve collaborations with the different sectors involved in sports, training for athletes, practice facilities, venues, and equipment.

The representative from Davao additionally said that the bill will help enhance the performance of athletes and the responsibilities of their coaches and trainers.

Authority and responsibility under the bill will fall with the Secretary of Sports, whom per the news release will be appointed by Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.

Furthermore per Jericho Nograles, “specialized bureaus” like the Amateur Sports Development Bureau and International Sports Development Bureau will be created under the bill in order for “proper implementation of the Act” and to give Filipino athletes a better chance in competitions both regional and international.

In the news release, the PBA Partylist Representative also added that the proposed Department of Sports “should be the primary policy-making, planning, coordinating, implementing, and regulating entity of the government in the promotion and development of sports, physical education, and physical fitness in the country.” – Rappler.com