PSC signs sports pact with Indonesia

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has signed a bilateral agreement with the Indonesia Ministry of Sports that formulates the way the two bodies will be cooperating in improving their respective sports programs. PSC chairman Ricardo Garcia said that a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by him and Indonesia Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng in President Aquino’s state visit in Jakarta early this week. The MOA will pave the way for Filipinos and Indonesians to share their respective expertise in technology, medical supervision (particularly anti-doping measures), training and coaching. Garcia said that the Indonesians are particularly interested in getting the expertise of Filipino coaches in boxing, one sport that has won Olympic medals for the Philippines. "The Indonesians are offering whatever help it can give that is covered by the MOA. For our part, our door is open for us to share our knowledge," said Garcia in the PSC’s weekly radio program at dzSR. Garcia said that the PSC is also planning to embark on similar agreements with other countries like Russia, China and Cuba. "There are a lot of countries that can help us improve our sports program," said Garcia. MOA with local governments Meanwhile, the PSC has also signed a MOA with the local governments of Bacolod, Silay and Talisay City for the hosting of the PNoy National Games on May 23 to 29. Featuring 23 sports disciplines, the games will serve as the national open for all national sports associations (NSAs) included in the weeklong competition. The event hopes to discover new talents in the countryside for inclusion in the national training pool. The national games will be making a return after a 15-year absence. – Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News