Pacquiao bats for revival of ‘Go for Gold’ program

MANILA, Philippines - Once again, Sen. Manny Pacquiao faced sports leaders yesterday and batted for the revival of the “Go for Gold” program for boxing, a strategy that worked well and produced winners in major international competitions until it was shelved.

Pacquiao said he knew how the program worked because he said he benefited from it as he aspired to become a boxer.

The eight-division champion said he’s been discussing the possibility of reviving the “Go for Gold” program with Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez.

“Chairman (Butch Ramirez) and I have been talking about reviving the program,’’ said Pacquiao during yesterday’s consultative meeting among sports leaders at the Century Park Hotel.

At the same meeting, Party List Rep. (1Pacman) Mikee Romero continued to push for the creation of the Department of Sports (DOS) but said the plan may take as long as three years to materialize.

Romero, who once headed the national association for shooting, insisted that having a DOS, a body that will carry a Cabinet rank, will provide the solutions to the problem hounding sports, particularly when it comes to funding.

He said his plan has continued to gain ground from among his fellow representatives.

Ramirez welcomed the idea but agreed that it might take time before it is enacted into law.