Duterte to attend PSI inaugural rites

MANILA, Philippines – President Duterte is expected to attend the inauguration of the Philippine Sports Institute, the flagship project of the Philippine Sports Commission, next month.

In a media advisory released by PSC chairman Butch Ramirez’ senior executive assistant Ronel Abrenica, the Chief Executive will be the guest of honor when the PSI opens on Jan. 17 at the PhilSports Arena.

“Our guest of honor will be President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who will also serve as the keynote speaker,” the PSC exec advised.

Ramirez, upon his appointment to the post last July, has given priority to the revival of a sports institute that he said been a missing component in the country’s grassroots and sports development program.

The PSI will be inaugurated after a series of consultations with various stakeholders, including the national sports associations, local government units, and legislators, among others.

The PSC seeks to set 12 regional training centers to make the effort national in scope, offering expertise in nutrition, strength and conditioning, sports science and other modern training methods to prospects and elite athletes.

 “The PSI will be the flagship program in identifying talents all over the country, testing fitness and skills-related components to determine sports where students can be channeled and developed,” said PSI national training director Marc Velasco.