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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider April as Nat'l Basketball Month in PH proposed

April as Nat'l Basketball Month in PH proposed

Published Mar 14, 2023 06:44 am
Highlighting the role of basketball as the Filipinos’ favorite and most popular sport, the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development on Tuesday, March 14, approved, subject to style and amendments, a bill seeking to declare April of every year as National Basketball Month. House Bill (HB) No. 7375 — Declaring April of every year as National Basketball Month, and appropriating funds therefor — was authored by Isabela 5th District Rep. Faustino Michael Carlos Dy III, chair of the committee. “The promotion and development of sports, especially during summer season will be strengthened for the benefit of millions of basketball-loving Filipinos,” the lawmaker said during the hearing. He stressed that the Philippines “love affair” with basketball “can be traced over a century ago” and that “today, it is the most popular and the most played sports for Filipinos both amateur and professional levels.” Dy also noted that the Philippines, along with Japan and Indonesia, will host the 2023 FIBA World Cup from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Deputy Executive Director Butch Antonio and Larry Domingo of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) both expressed support for the proposed measure. “The bill is very much welcome by the SBP,” Antonio said, citing they “got excited basketball is being honored, being given this privilege to have a month that is dedicated to basketball.” He offered the organization’s help, sharing that they are also coordinating with the Department of Education (DepEd). “If there is any we can help execute, then please let us know. Our doors our open,” he added. Domingo, on the other hand, recommended the inclusion of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to promote basketball at the tertiary level and the Games Amusement Board (GAB) for professional level. La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega, the committee vice chair, manifested the necessity of inserting a new section that would mandate concerned agencies “to prepare and implement an annual program of activities to ensure the meaningful observance of basketball month.” He also suggested the removal of the proposed funding under Section 5 of the bill since the celebration of the basketball month would only require a minimal cost. “This will expedite the approval of this measure,” he said. Dy agreed with the proposal to remove the “Appropriations” part of his proposed measure. In his bill’s explanatory note, the lawmaker underscored the “invaluable benefits” of playing basketball despite the height disadvantage of Filipinos. “That is a team sport plays a vital role in promoting self-esteem among the participants, necessarily reducing mental health issues; and promotes friendship and camaraderie apart from teamwork, which are essential to giving meaning to our lives,” it stated.

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GAB House Bill No. 7375 SBP basketball PSC Butch Antonio
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