Narvasa puts premium on education

CEBU, Philippines - Invest in education, it's like investing in your future.

In a short but concise manner, this was the gist of PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa's message as he spoke before hundreds of student-athletes during the formal opening of the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) season yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.

"Today (yesterday), I officially mark my first day of work as PBA commissioner and I am privileged to be here with you," said Narvasa. "The CESAFI is a very competitive league that has become popular even in  Metro Manila."

While he encourages the athletes to strive hard in their pursuit for athletic excellence, Narvasa said education must be of paramount importance for every athlete.

If some CESAFI players will make it to the PBA someday, Narvasa said they're good for only at least 10 years but having good education will assure them of a bright future.

"Going to school provides you other opportunities," said Narvasa. "If you invest in school, it's like you're investing in your self for the rest of your life," said Narvasa.

Aside from Narvasa, Cebuano hardcourt star JuneMar Fajardo also grabbed the spotlight of the affair.

The CESAFI, led by its president Fr. Manny Uy, SJ of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu and commissioner Felix 'Boy' Tiukinhoy Jr., honored the 'Gentle Giant' from Pinamungajan south of Cebu with a 'Special Award' for being an inspiration not only to the league's younger batch of players but also to other aspiring Cebuano cagers with his extraordinary achievements as a pro.

For them to succeed in whatever field of endeavor they want to take in life, Fajardo said they must work hard and practice hard.

"They should practice hard," said Fajardo. "But not in the manner that they go to pratice only to show off their skills. They should practice so they could find ways to improve their skills even just a little, because if they combine those little things, that would make them great someday."

His rise to basketball stardom is truly phenomenal. From a laughing stock because of his awkward playing style during his struggling days in college, Fajardo painstakingly transformed into a well-rounded hardcourt warrior, worthy of respect and adulation by many.

Fajardo's star started to shine when he powered the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters to back-to-back CESAFI championships (2011-2012). With his hulking 6-foot-11, 270-pound frame, Fajardo is easily an object of desire by any PBA team. True enough, he made history in 2013 for becoming the first ever Cebuano player to emerge as No.1 overall pick in the PBA Draft.

That was the beginning of an even brighter things ahead for Fajardo, who went on to win two titles with San Miguel Beer franchise laced with a pair of MVP marbles in the PBA. His spectacular performance even against the world's most feared hardcourt giants during the FIBA World Cup in Spain last year further galvanized his status as the 'future of Philippine basketball.'

"Looking back from where I am now to the times when I was still playing in the CESAFI, I really could not saying except that I am just blessed," said Fajardo.

Humble and a man of few words he is, Fajardo achieved all those things because he really worked hard for it. That is what all aspiring athletes out there should mirror and reflect upon as they chase their dreams in whaveter endeavor they yearn to pursue along way. (FREEMAN)