Private sector urged to support Philippine weightlifting

MANILA, Philippines – Former Samahang Basketbol ng Piipinas (SBP) Treasurer Ray Adalem on Tuesday said private companies and corporations should invest more on the country’s sports programs, specifically weightlifting.

Adalem cited as an example sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan, who reportedly spent P1.3 billion of his own money to help the country’s basketball program.

“’Sa kanya pa lang galing yung 1.3 (billion,) sa mga companies niya like Meralco, Smart, PLDT. Wala pa ‘yung galing sa iba,” Adalem told scribes at the weekly PSA forum at Shakey’s Malate.

While the Philippine Sports Commission provides funds for the country’s sports programs, Adalem said private companies should also do their part in backing Philippines sports.

He singled out weightlifting, with Hidilyn Diaz delivering the country’s only medal in the recently concluded 2016 Rio Olympics.

“Ang daming kailangan tulungan. ‘Yang weightlifting, dapat tulungan yan. Napakasimple lang ‘nun eh, ‘yung gamit.” said Adalem.

In winning a silver medal in the women’s 53kg weightlifting event in the Olympics, Diaz became the first Filipino to medal at the quadrennial sports spectacle. She likewise ended the Philippines’ 20-year Olympic medal drought.