AFP Renews Pact to Develop World-Class Military Athletes
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday renewed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among sports organizations to promote physical fitness and develop world-class athletes in different military units. The MOA is entered into by the AFP, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC). It applies to the management, development and training of identified and potential soldier-athletes who shall compete in international sports competitions. “The renewed agreement among the AFP and sports associations in the Philippines manifests our strong desire to raise the country’s flag to further heights in the global sports scene,” AFP Chief of Staff, General Cirilito Sobejana said. A virtual ceremonial signing was held at the Silid Lapu-Lapu in the General Headquarters Building, Camp Aguinaldo. Under the MOA, the AFP will continue to formulate and implement a comprehensive sports development program for all military personnel. It will also provide administration and control to soldier-athletes and coaches to be on detail with the PSC. The AFP shall further provide qualified athletes and coaches in events involving speed and distance, combative sports, target sports, aquatic sports, forms and power sports, and selected net sports. Also significant is the AFP’s support to the national grassroots sports program of the PSC, POC, PPC and National Sports Associations for the establishment of Priority Sports, Priority Athletes and Regional Development Plan. The PSC among other commitments shall provide technical assistance to the rationalized establishments, maintenance, and management of viable Olympics-standard sports centers and facilities of the AFP. In coordination with the POC and PPC, it will also afford the use of PSC sports facilities to military-athletes, groups and associations. Moreover, the PSC shall reserve slots and incorporate in the requests for travel, AFP’s representatives with appropriate allowances during international competitions such as the South East Asian Games, Asian games, and World Olympics. The POC and PPC on the other hand shall offer training programs to selected coaches, referees, officials, administrators, instructors and allied specialists to enhance sports capabilities, professional and technical skills, and know-how. The committees will also provide professional support to AFP in terms of program development in preparation for high-level competitions locally and abroad. The principal signatories of the MOA were General Sobejana, Mr. William Ramirez, Chairman of PSC; Mr. Abraham Tolentino, President of PCO; and Mr. Michael Barredo, President of PPC. The agreement is valid for three years upon signing of the parties which can be renewed under the same terms and conditions. “The AFP is optimistic that the joint efforts forged through the Memorandum of Agreement will further elevate the skills and capabilities of our military athletes. Together with the PSC, POC, PPC and other sports associations, we will do our best to develop future gold-medallists who shall bring pride and honor to our country,” General Sobejana said. /// (Photos by TSg Randulf Obinque PAF/PAOAFP)
--
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City Tel. Nos: 911-6001 loc 6700 Email: paoafp@gmail.com Facebook: @armedforcesofthephilippines Twitter: @TeamAFP Instagram: @teamafp Website: www.afp.mil.ph