The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) diverse grassroots sports program continued amid the pandemic with the three-day pre-recording of the Indigenous Peoples Games in the province of Sarangani.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner and project head Charles Raymond A. Maxey led a small group in conducting the program under closed coordination with Provincial Tribal Chieftain Fulung Edmund D. Pangilan, and Municipal IP Mandatory Representative Makabatog Monard C. Galgo at the Lamlifew Village Museum and Blaan School of Living Traditions in Malungon, Sarangani.
In accordance with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) safety and health protocol, all participants, PSC staff as well as local officials, and tribe members underwent COVID-19 testing and tested negative before the said activity. Face masks were worn and physical distancing was observed in between video and photo shoots.
The event is part of the Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines (QCP) celebration and with the support of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) and Pocari Sweat.
“Yung awareness ng ating mga kababayan sa mga tradisyunal na laro at patuloy na pamumuhay ng mga katutubo ay isang malaking tagumpay para sa Philippine Sports Commission. Yung diversity and equality ng mga programa ng PSC ay sinisiguro naming mabibigyan nang sapat na panahon at pagkakataon,” Maxey said.
Traditional games by Blaam Indigenous Peoples like Sfaltu (long jump) Skuya Kura (horse racing), sumpit and pana were in full display with the Blaan elders performed Kmisong (Fire Making) using coconut husk or dried wood coir and split bamboo.
The PSC core group was warmly welcomed by the Blaan Indigenous Cultural community through their indigenous welcome dance called Aral Kafi (Blaan Eagle Dance) held at the Kalonbarak Skyline Ridge in Malungon.
Highlighting the event was the turned over of sports equipment such as basketballs, volleyballs and soccer balls to Malungon Mayor Ma. Theresa Constantino to further boost their grassroots sports program in the province.
“Hopefully, these equipment can encourage youth to engage in sports. It’s our gratitude to them for supporting our programs,” Maxey said.
The PSC also distributed 400 sets of Indigenous Peoples (IP) provisions such as bags made of abaca fiber, bamboo notebooks, ball pens, personalized PSC notepads, and face towels. (PR) – bny
