Women’s rugby gets Aussies’ P1M grant

MANILA, Philippines -  The Australian government has extended a P1-million grant to the Philippines to support a program that encourages young Filipino women to play touch rugby.

The funding will be used by the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) in establishing a touch rugby team with equal male-female participation or 16,000 boys and girls all over 340 public elementary and high schools in Davao City to compete in touch rugby festivals.

“Australia is pleased to support the PRFU in its ‘Touch Rugby: A Sport For All’ program that encourages young men and women to get active in sports,” Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely said in a statement.

“Gender equality is central to economic and human development and Australia is steadfast in its commitment to be at the forefront of efforts to promote the empowerment of girls globally and in our region, including through sports.” Gorely said.

Touch rugby is not a popular sport in the Philippines. It is a version of rugby that is less intense and does not include tackling or kicks. This game is more like the local street game patintero.

Australia’s latest grant was part of its Direct Aid Program “to promote sports for development, and engage young people in communities to help them learn the value of leadership, teamwork, fair play and discipline at an early age.”

“Through grants like this, Australia is able to leverage our sporting credentials to engage with our partners like the Philippines. Promoting the universal values of sport help build trust between countries and bring people together,” Gorely said.