CCSC chairman Pages expects ‘explosion of sporting activities’

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Sports Commission chairman John Pages expects an ‘explosion of sporting activities’ as he formally sets in motion the city’s sports program under his watch during their first CCSC commissioners’ meeting last Thursday.

Aside from Pages, also present during the gathering were Cebu City Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros, councilors Raymond Garcia and Jessica Resch, CCSC Vice Chairman Lorenzo “Chao” Sy, commissioners Ed Hayco, Jessica Honoridez, Rolly Diorico, and Troy Malilong, executive director Amilo Lopez, and Francis Ramirez representing Ded-Ed’s Dr. Rhea Mar Angtud.

In his opening statement, Pages thanked former chairman Hayco for his leadership in guiding and growing the city’s sports the past 12 years

He then expressed enthusiasm for what lies ahead now that sports is back after being brought to a standtill by the pandemic for nearly two years.

“We are excited with the opportunities that we face with sports today. After two years of the pandemic, Cebu and the world have opened. Sports is open. There are so many organizers eager to restart their tournaments. The athletes are excited to compete. People want to go out and exercise,” Pages said.

“We have received many calls about events being restarted. We will have the Palaro football (bubble) tournament next month. The Ironman will return this August. There will be an explosion of sporting activities this 2022,” Pages continued.

Hontiveros has the same outlook.

“There is a need to restart sports in Cebu. We hope to see plenty of tournaments, not only in basketball, throughout the city,” the former basketball star turned public servant said.

The group also tackled the role of CCSC and how it can best uplift sports in Cebu.

For his part, Garcia, the city council’s committee chairman on finance, has adviced the commission to submit a proposal so they can appropriate additional budget for it.

“Because of the limited 2022 budget of the CCSC, we will ask the Commission to submit its proposals for the remainder of the year. We will try to seek additional funding for sports,” Garcia assured.