THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said it is on the lookout for new sports talents in this year’s Batang Pinoy 2019 Visayas Qualifying Leg, hosted by the city and province of Iloilo. “We would like to encourage the participation of provinces in the far-flung areas. We expect to discover young athletes and tap them as national athletes in the future,” PSC Governor Arnold G. Agustin said about the event, which opened on Feb. 23 at the Iloilo Sports Complex. Around 3,000 athletes from 72 local government units (LGUs) in the Visayas are taking part in this competition. Paul Ycasas, Deputy Head National Secretariat of PSC, said, “Some of the events are not played in Palarong Pambansa. That is why we emphasize giving more chance…particularly to provincial athletes to participate and gain experience.” “This is a very good program, starting from 15 years old and below, that’s the time when the children can choose whatever they want, whatever they want to play, and whatever they want to train,” Iloilo City Sports Director Moises Salomon Jr. said for his part. And Mayor Jose S. Espinosa III said, “The city of Iloilo is always supportive of this program because through sports we can (solve) the problem of drugs in the country.” — Emme Rose Santiagudo

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