PSC holds first Mindanao summit

Over 150 governors, mayors, provincial and city sports coordinators and other sports leaders are expected to attend the first Mindanao Sports Summit to be conducted by the Philippine Sports Commission Feb. 19-20 in Davao City.

PSC commissioner William Ramirez, who comes from Mindanao, said the summit is in keeping with the thrust of the new administration under President Macapagal- Arroyo to bring Mindanao back into the center stage of socio-economic development.

Also expected to attend the two-day summit, whose theme is "Advancing Sports in Mindanao -Vehicle for Peace and Unity" are officials of the departments of the interior and local government, education, culture and sports, the PSC, non-government organizations, and sports media.

The summit, the first to be held in Mindanao, will tackle issues and concerns, build consensus on sports involving the regions of Mindanao — regions 9-12 and the ARMM and CARAGA region.

Ramirez said Mrs. Arroyo has been invited to deliver the keynote speech on Feb. 19 during the opening program. Also invited are Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Secretary Paul G. Dominguez, Presidential Assistant for Regional Conferences, DILG Secretary Joey Lina, DECS Secretary Raul Roco, Presidential Assistant for Mindanao and MEDCO chair Jesus G. Dureza, Sen. Robert Jaworski and Rep. Enrico Echeveri, chairpersons of the youth and sports committee of the Senate and House.