Ricky Vargas pushes for a Department of Sports

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas is pushing for the creation of a department of sports at a cabinet level and for a greater emphasis on physical education in the country’s school system.

Vargas bats for this as he sees the great potential and power of sports to be a unifying force and strong developmental tool for the nation

“I have seen our athletes compete for flag and country with minimal support but with maximum heart. I’ve seen how Filipino people have been inspired and I was moved by them at the times I’ve had the privilege witnessing people come together in support of the Philippines whether it’s a Pacquiao fight or a Gilas game,” said Vargas during the PBA Press Corps Annual Awards at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center Monday night.

“Sports allow us to forget our regional, cultural, political and religious differences. Sports allow us all to be Filipinos standing under one flag, proudly Filipino,” he added.

Vargas spoke in the PBAPC gathering as the POC top honcho and chairman of the PBA board of governors.

Vargas and the other members of the PBA board, as the winners of the President’s Award, shared the limelight with Coach of the Year Chito Victolero, Executive of the Year Alfrancis Chua and Lifetime Achievement awardee Wilfred Uytengsu.

“We need to recognize the role of sports in developing our country. We need to stop thinking that lip service is enough, and we actually need to elevate sports in our communities, in our society and, yes, even in our government,” said Vargas.

“I see the need for a department of sports at a cabinet level. I fully support initiatives of our legislators who are pushing for a cabinet level position for sports,” he added

The POC chief also wants more time for physical education as he even calls for the inclusion of Olympic sports in the country’s curriculum.

“It has come to my attention that P.E. has been merged with music and arts. While both are important fields of interest, this merge leaves only 30 minutes a week for physical education,” he said. “It’s definitely not enough.”

As PBA board chair, Vargas said he’s working with the league board and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to strengthen commitment to the national team program.

“We have worked closely with the SBP to allow PBA players to be part of the national team. I’m happy to report that the PBA and SBP have achieved a high-level productive collaboration,” he said.

“I’m also proud to say that we’re exploring long-term programs to identify cadets to be drafted to the national team program. They would be allowed to play in the PBA only after completing tour of duty with the national team,” he added.

Vargas said this program is geared at a decent showing by Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup that the country is hosting in 2023.