Partylist to introduce more sports programs

CEBU, Philippines — One Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals (1-Pacman) Partylist first nominee Milka Romero said she will be expanding their existing programs as well as introduce more sports programs that will help especially the youth.

The 31-year-old professional football player, who graced the 1-Pacman Partylist Volleyball Festival in Barangay Bangkal in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday, said that for the past eight years since the partylist joined in 2016, they have been helping the marginalized sector in Cebu and other parts of the country through their medical assistance and TESDA scholarship.

“Ang sports scholarship ay isa pa sa gusto naming dagdagan. Definitely, it is a great equalizer ang education through sports at makakaangat tayo through excelling or accessible through this program na binibigay nang 1-Pacman. We are excited na malalawak yung reach namin na opportunities na mabibigay namin lalo na dito sa Cebu,” said Romero.

Romero said that she wants to have sports academic centers and programs in the different regions.

“We are so excited on this as at the grassroots programs, ma identify natin through different areas not just in Manila na hindi football or volleyball but also other sports. Eto din kasi ang makakaangat sa ating buhay and I am proud to say na 1-Pacman is the champion sa sports,” Romero said when asked on what she intends to do if her partylist will earn a seat in the upcoming elections.

Romero, who is an owner of a professional volleyball team, says the increasing popularity of volleyball in the Philippines shows the readiness of our country to put sports as a vital contributor to the wellness of our youth.

“We, at 1-Pacman, take the cue from our countrymen. Sports is a vehicle to build a healthy, and competitive nation," said Romero, who was hands-on in the partylist operations since its inception.

Romero said that with just the process of preparing for competitions, players already emerge as winners.

“Sa sports, panalo agad ang kabataan. Whatever the outcome of competitions, sports people are already winners because of the attitudes and life skills they develop. The tenacity to endure, the discipline for practice, the determination to make the best of opportunities, the regard for teamwork and respect for others, all of these attributes are inside the bundle called sports,” said Romero in separate statement.

Romero is the eldest daughter of the current 1-Pacman Partylist Representative Mikee Romero, whose term of office will end in 2025.

The partylist is advocating for the marginalized and displaced sectors in the country and its main platforms are to prioritize sports development, education, and job creation. — (FREEMAN)