Manny Pacquiao hopes the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will get additional funding to help athletes improve on their performance in the international level.
Pacquiao, also the Congressman of Sarangani, believes funding remains one of the problems that hinder the progress of the national athletes if they want to be at par with their foreign counterparts.
“Agree ako na i-increase ang budget sa PSC,” said Pacquiao in the aftermath of the Sports For All Conference on Friday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Pacquiao added monetary help not only encourages physical improvement of the athletes, but also gives mental boost.
“Kung hindi maganganda ang gamit nila, hindi rin sila ma-inspire to work hard. Saka kailangan din may mag-encourage sa kanila. Ang sports naman hindi lang puro pisikal,” Pacquiao said.
The PSC gets P182 million from the national government and less than R800 as its share from the proceeds of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor).
In contrast, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the counterpart of the PSC, sits on an annual budget of 4 billion baht a year, which is equivalent to P5.35 billion.
“Kulang tayo sa facilities. I agree na kailangan kausapin yung nakakataas para makahingi ng suporta yung mga atleta natin,” Pacquiao said. (Kristel Satumbaga)