By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

 

THE annual Batang Pinoy national games was temporarily shelved for two years obviously because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Year 2019, hosted then by Puerto Princesa in Palawan, was the last time the multi-sports event was held before the deadly world disease entered our state. Yes, this national well-known multi-sports event for Filipino young athletes aged 15 years and below is of great import because it is the discovery ground for our future national athletes that could earn medals in international competitions. In fact, to name two were 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and world champion gymnast Caloy Yulo. The duo were products of Batang Pinoy National Games.

Finally, after a two-year lull, it’s back and this time it will be hosted by Vigan City in Ilocos Sur. Originally scheduled this coming December 4 to 10 as first announced by our national sports governing body the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) headed by chairman Noli Eala, it was rescheduled to December 17 to 22.

“Expect the unexpected,” as the saying goes, because the sudden postponement gave rise to howls and protests from the athletes’ parents and guardians especially in the Visayas and Mindanao who have already purchased their discounted plane and ship tickets and hotel accommodations more than two months before the original scheduled games on December 4. Yes, it’s a customary for many airlines shipping companies to offer cheaper fares provided their customers book their travel at least two months prior.  And, any rebooking for an extended period can result in forfeiture or penalty or no guarantee of confirmation. Worse, in this case, many may not be able to get confirmed travel dates because next month is a peak month for travel because of the Christmas season.

Consequently, many families and netizens went to social media to denounce the PSC officials for their inefficient planning. Even community columnists, echoing the sentiments of their kababayan in the provinces are demanding justification and explanation for the rescheduling of the event. But the only explanation offered by the PSC  is to support the recommendation of the Department of Education (DepEd) to move the date so as not to affect its academic calendar.

Here’s one reaction from a parent.:

“This Advisory breaks my heart because I already spent my hard earned savings money to anticipate and plan for my son’s big SWIM day Batang Pinoy Experience. We already purchased ROUND TRIP TICKETS for my son, the athlete and for us his parents in support for our son’s achievement for being Batang Pinoy Qualified Athlete. We are from Tacloban City, we also already booked and paid for the 7 days hotel accommodation just to make sure we have everything ready for those big days. It’s sad and I’m so dismayed that you changed the dates without considering parents like us. Your previous initial advisory didn’t give us any hint that those days were not final. It was very Clear in your Advisory that Batang Pinoy would be December 4-10, 2022 venue in Vigan. We are very far from the venue and for sure on those dates Ticket prices will be soaring high. We expect a very minimal financial support from the Local Government so we opted to purchase tickets and booked our hotel ahead of time so we can somehow afford the trip. The money that was spent to prepare for this Batang Pinoy Event is again hard-earned money. I’m just disheartened to know that all our preparations and anticipation have now gone to waste,” said Rosalyn Go Braselino, one of the more than hundred parents that bashed the PSC.

More on this issue, next week.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I and My Father are one.” JOHN 10: 30

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