Reader's views: A challenge to the CESAFI

I always believe in the power of education. More than being an athlete, it must be their commitment as a student that must come first.

Prior to reading the article of the commissioner of the CESAFI, Mr. Felix 'Boy' O Tiukinuy Jr., that came out on the November 7, 2016 issue of The Freeman, I lauded the move of the PBA D-league to open its doors to Vis-Min region simply because as a coach, you always want the best for your players.

If having D-league here would mean our hopefuls getting a step closer to their dreams, then who are we to stop that? At the end of the day, you always pray for the best of your wards.

However, judging from the other side of the coin, we must also remember that rules are rules. And rules are meant to be followed. Allow me to give you a very practical scenario. If our student athletes are given the opportunity to play basketball in exchange for a certain amount of cash as that of playing simply because they have a commitment to serve the university in exchange for their scholarship, which do you think would they pick? Of course they would really pick the one with compensation, sacrificing the latter.

May I end this by telling our hopefuls that there is always a time for everything. While education is very expensive in our country, may they remain loyal and grateful to the sponsors who did everything for them to get it fast, easy and free.

Finally, may the CESAFI also do its part. Maybe its time they consider the extension of exposure of its players, that way their commitment remains with the league. Maybe it should not only be limited to the first semester. And maybe another great solution to earning loyalty of our student-athletes is having its own version of a CESAFI Vis-Min league. - Van Halen Parmis