DAVAO CITY – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte highlighted sports as an effective avenue to instill in the youth essential characteristics for nation-building during the opening ceremonies of Palarong Pambansa 2019 at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex on Sunday, April 28.
According to the Chief Executive, sports plays an important role in encouraging the youth to live a healthy lifestyle and keep away from illegal drugs.
President Duterte also encouraged the parents of the athletes to support their children in engaging into sports and inspire them to do their best in academics.
“Sports is truly an effective avenue to instill among the youth essential characteristics for nation-building such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance and all,” he said.
“Thus, I encourage parents to support their children to engage in sports and inspire them to always do their best in balancing sports and academics,” he added.
President Duterte assured that the government would continue to support our athletes in their endeavors so that they may bring glory to the country.
“Let me assure you that the government will continue to promote physical education and other relevant sports programs that will support our athletes in reaching for their dreams and aspirations,” the President said.
“We will empower them to become the best in their respective fields so they may bring pride to our nation when they compete in international events,” he added.
Towards the end of his speech, President Duterte asked the support of the athletes regarding his campaign against drugs, criminality, and corruption.
“This administration remains determined in pursuing [its] campaign to eradicate illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption. I need your support, our young athletes, in this endeavor if we are to ensure a safe and progressive future for the next generation of Filipinos,” he said.
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