By: Hannah Nicol
The Caloocan City local government, through the Sports Development and Recreation Office (SDRO), has launched a free sports camp for all Batang Kankaloo aged 7 to 18 years old during their academic break, the city government announced on Monday, July 15.
According to the city’s public information office, the city government has offered a free swimming lesson in North Caloocan and free Jiu-Jitsu lessons in South Caloocan.
In addition, free training sessions in basketball and tennis were also conducted.
City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan emphasized that the sports camp aims to maximize their school vacation while enhancing their physical and mental skills.
"Ikinagagalak ko pong ibahagi sa ating mga kabataan na tuloy-tuloy po ang pagsasagawa ng Batang Kankaloo Sports Camp. Sa mga magulang po, huwag nating sayangin ang pagkakataong ito habang nasa bakasyon pa ang marami sa ating mga mag-aaral, lalo na at mas mainam po ang mga aktibidad na ituturo rito upang mabawasan na rin ang oras na ginugugol ng mga bata sa kanilang mga gadget (I am pleased to share with our youth that the Batang Kankaloo Sports Camp will continue. To the parents, let's not waste this opportunity while many of our students are still on vacation. This is especially important as the activities taught here are much better for reducing the time children spend on their gadgets),” he said.
"Sa tulong ng mahuhusay nating coaches, tiyak din ako na maraming matututunan ang mga bata at mabibigyan sila ng pagkakataon na matuklasan ang kanilang passion para sa sports (With the help of our excellent coaches, I am sure that the children will learn a lot and be given the opportunity to discover their passion for sports),” he added.
Malapitan also assured that the local government remains committed to maintaining its goal as a child-friendly city. He also vowed to continue implementing various programs aimed at supporting the rights and interests of the Batang Kankaloo.
"Lagi ko pong sinasabi, 'Sa Caloocan, walang batang maiiwan,' kaya po asahan niyong mas pagtitibayin pa natin ang ating mga programa upang protektahan ang kabataan laban sa mga abuso at tulungan silang maging responsableng mamamayan pagtanda nila (I always say, 'In Caloocan, no child will be left behind,' so you can expect that we will further strengthen our programs to protect the youth against abuse and help them become responsible citizens as they grow up),” the mayor said.