Capitol reactivates sports comm

Local

A FRESH start for Cebu sports unfolded at the Capitol on Thursday, April 16, as provincial officials formally brought back a dormant body tasked with shaping athletic development across the province.

The Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC) resumed operations after six years of inactivity, with newly appointed officers taking their oath before Governor Pamela Baricuatro in a ceremony held at the Capitol.

The revival marked the return of the province’s central sports governance body, which had remained inactive since 2019 following the end of the administration of former governor Hilario Davide III.

Officials immediately followed the oath-taking with the commission’s first coordination meeting.

A P50-million allocation for 2026 is expected to support the commission’s programs, which will focus on grassroots sports development, talent identification, and stronger athlete support systems across Cebu.

Dr. Rhoel James Timothy Dejano, who chairs the commission, said the initial gathering centered on understanding its mandate and direction.

“This is the first meeting of the new provincial sports commission. We just had an overview on the functions and mandate… and part of that is really to promote sports, especially grassroots programs, talent identification, and making a sports program for the province,” Dejano said.

He stressed that the commission would push for broader inclusion in its programs, saying sports initiatives should extend beyond traditional athletes to also cover persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and members of the LGBT community.

Dejano also pointed out that the commission’s role goes beyond competition, noting that it is also mandated to promote wellness programs alongside sports development.

On funding, he said an allocation already exists for the year while planning continues for future budgeting.

He added that the commission is preparing to submit its own budget proposal for the next year to support sustained program implementation.

Vice chair Board Member Loren Singco said discussions on how to use the P50 million fund are still ongoing, with details yet to be finalized.

“Currently, from the budget that I know, they said P50 million. I don’t know how it’s being spent yet, but I’m sure it’s already going somewhere,” he said.

Dejano emphasized that funding remains essential to implementation.

He emphasized that every program requires corresponding funding to ensure proper implementation.

Included in the reactivated commission is celebrity-turned-businessman Paul Jake Castillo, along with Mark Anthony Ynoc, Francis Chad Salimbangon, Blake Nelson Go, and Mark Leo Chang as private sector representatives.

They are together with Capitol officials Board Members Raymond Joseph Calderon, Celestino Martinez III, and Dason Lagon, Department of Education Cebu Province superintendent Dr. Senen Priscillo Paulin, and Engr. Rodrigo Tanza.

Castillo, who took his oath alongside other members, expressed support for expanded sports programs focused on youth wellness and said he is open to initiatives covering triathlon, boxing, and motorsports.(MyTVCebu)