Manny's big fight against poverty

MANILA, Philippines - There is a fight that Manny Pacquiao is determined to win and it’s not being waged inside the ring.

Pacquiao is battling poverty and wants to make a difference in the lives of his countrymen who are less privileged. In General Santos City, he is developing a 400-hectare property into a multi-billion peso economic zone which will create jobs for thousands of workers. And in Sarangani province, he is busy attending to the poor folk, donating firetrucks and ambulances for the towns of Malungon and Malapatan, providing over 80,000 schoolbags for students and organizing medical missions nearly every week.

Pacquiao’s role as catalyst for economic activity and protector of the poor is as important to him as being an ambassador for peace and unity, particularly in Mindanao where he is from. It’s just as important as, if not more than winning his boxing matches for the Filipino nation.

The other week, Pacquiao spoke about empowerment, the country’s future and his philosophy that “with great power comes great responsibility” during his induction as honorary member of the Rotary Club of Midtown Gensan at the Tierra Montana Hotel Ballroom in General Santos City. The event was attended by over 250 Rotarians from nine clubs in the SOCSARGEN (South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos City) region.

In his 15-minute remarks, Pacquiao said it has been a dream to become a Rotarian because of his admiration for the club’s commitment to humanitarian projects. He talked about fostering unity in the country and stressed that “the future is in our hands.”

Pacquiao also donated $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation to become an elite Paul Harris Fellow.

“Manny mentioned that he’s tapping Rotary to be his partner in doing projects in Sarangani,” said Clem Asencio, past assistant governor of Rotary District 3860. “As an ambassador of peace and unity, he’s focused in uniting the Filipinos right now, most especially Mindanaoans because he’s proud to be a Mindanaoan like us Rotarians.”

As regards his boxing career, Pacquiao confirmed he will fight once more before the year ends. The other day, it was announced that he will challenge WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas on Nov. 14.

Asencio said Pacquiao’s popularity continues to grow and he doesn’t expect it to wane even after retiring from the ring.

“Manny’s popularity has gotten bigger as wherever he goes, more people squeeze in just to shake his hand or take a photo,” continued Asencio.

“Many high-profile personalities line up to invite him as a speaker or guest. I believe that when he’s done with boxing, he’ll remain very popular as he has touched the hearts of millions of Filipinos with his courage, discipline, class and generosity.”

Asencio said he has followed Pacquiao’s career for over 10 years and was introduced to the boxing icon in 2003 when his parents were sponsors in the fighter’s wedding.

“Since we were introduced, we’ve worked together in many sports projects as I was the vice chairman of the General Santos City Sports Board,” said Asencio. “Manny has grown big, so big that he’s now a global sports phenomenon but his ego hasn’t changed a bit. We, Rotarians, are grateful to him as he made good his commitment to grace our induction, even flying back from the US after a day of shooting with Nike co-endorsers Kobe Bryant and Maria Sharapova in Los Angeles just to be with us.”

Asencio said Pacquiao is destined for great things and will not go the way of another General Santos City fighter Rolando Navarrete.

“Navarrete is still around but he’s not doing good,” said Asencio. “Manny helps him financially. Manny would never become a Navarrete. In the first place, Manny is God-fearing and has a wife who supports him anytime, in good and bad times. He also has good financial advisers. Manny has invested his earnings intelligently – in fact, he owns a lot of properties in and outside of Gensan, owns newly-built buildings and he’s into franchising.”

Asencio said Pacquiao’s 400-hectare development has been approved by NEDA and will be called the Manny Pacquiao Economic Zone.

“The latest news is they’ve already started recruiting workers for this project and they need thousands,” said Asencio. “Manny never forgets where he came from. He always tells me that whatever happens, he’ll go back to his roots. That’s why he’s so well-loved.”