Pres. Duterte to grace launch of PHL Sports Institute

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to grace launch of Philippine Sports Institute (PCO photo)

MANILA—President Rodrigo Duterte will be the keynote speaker when the Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) is launched on Jan. 16 at the Philsports Multi-Purpose Arena in Pasig City.

The PSI, which will be under the supervision of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), has a monthly budget of PHP25 million or PHP300 million annually.

PSC commissioner Fatima Celia Kiram said the operational expenses of the PSI will be drawn from the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), where the PSC’s share from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) income is deposited.

Kiram has expressed hope that the PSC will get the original 5 percent gross contribution from PAGCOR instead of the current 5 percent net to sustain the PSI.

PSC executive director, Atty. Carlo Abarquez, said the approval of a law institutionalizing the PSI will allow the institute to get a share of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) fund every year.

Also invited to the PSI launch are provincial governors, city mayors, as well as officials and athletes from various national sports associations.

PSI national training director Marc Velasco said the PSI will be the driving force of the PSC in grassroots and elite athletes.