Filipinized
It has been a norm already in many parts of the world where athletes, after meeting eligibility, residency and some other related requirements, acquire citizenship in a country different from their country of birth thru a naturalization process, which then qualifies them to represent their adoptive country in international sporting competitions.
With their mixed breed and superior training and experience from their countries of origin, nations do this process in the hope of faring well internationally. But there are some instances in some countries where the process of naturalization becomes questionable because of falsified documents, the supposed candidate having no legitimate connection or relation to that country.
Asian and Middle Eastern nations particularly, have newly minted citizens on their national teams, some occupying more than half of the team roster. The recent SEA Games saw the influx of multi-racial athletes, which admittedly had improved the performances of their respective teams. Well, if this makes things better, then, why not.
Recently, two basketball players for the PH 3-on-3 men’s and women’s teams, Malik Diouf and Elizabeth Means, passed the Senate hearing in their bids to acquire Philippine citizenship. Two others were absent and had their bids deferred until such time that they’ll be available for the hearing.
Since we’re obsessed with basketball, we might as well do things within the limits of the law to improve our stock. Resident import Justin Brownlee was overworked because of overreliance in the recent FIBA qualifying games. He delivered but there’s a need for the other guys to contribute more. Brownlee is 37 and although he still delivers, fresher and younger legs are needed.
There’s a strong chance that these naturalized athletes could marry our locals and produce hybrid offsprings that could wear the national colors in the future.
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I hope our national agencies concerned have contingency measures ready as to the situation of our OFWs in the Middle East. Although they’re out of harm’s way, for the moment, some acquaintances and relatives have reported earth-shaking explosions. But life goes on, they say, despite the danger.
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