Binay: Prove Pinoys world-class

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay joined sports officials in exhorting members of the Team Philippines to keep the Filipino flag fluttering when they do battle in the 26th Southeast Asian Games next week in Indonesia.

“There’s a saying practice as if you’re the worst and perform as if you’re the best. I know you’re all ready to compete. Let’s prove to our neighbors from Southeast Asia that we Filipinos are truly world-class,” Binay said in Filipino during last night’s send-off for the Filipino bets at the PhilSports Arena.

Binay, himself a sports official being head of the Philippine Badminton Association, encouraged the athletes not just to do well in the sporting arena but to foster friendship with the delegates from the rest of the region.

“This is a moment not just for competition but for a gathering among neighbors. I hope you can find ways to share our culture, being athletes who represent our country,” he added.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro represented President Aquino in the occasion, relaying the Chief Executive’s support to the SEAG-bound contingent.

“It’s our sincere hope and prayer that as you represent the country in Jakarta, every victory will be a medal for us, a signal of hope that will tell our people that yes, the Filipino can!,” said Luistro, who assured Team Phl of support from the Executive Department as well as from 20 million public school students and five million university students under his watch.

Highlight of the send-off was the turnover of the Philippinr flag from Binay to boxer Rey Saludar, the designated flag-bearer in the opening ceremonies on Nov. 11.

Also rallying behind the athletes were Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia and Philippine Olympic Committee president Peping Cojuangco.