PH Gov't: Lah! Asa ka

by  Jonaxx

Will we always rely on others to do what the government should have done in the first place?

On October 10, 2024, Laiya Integrated National High School (LINHS) was fortunate to receive volleyball equipment from Creamline-Rebisco Company. This donation included volleyballs, nets, knee pads, and more—essentials that will greatly benefit our volleyball players. It is encouraging to see non-state institutions step in to provide what our athletes need. As the host said, “We have partners na siyang magiging katuwang natin upang mabuo ng mga atletang Batangueno ang kanilang mga pangarap.” But this generosity raises a lingering question: will we always rely on others to do what the government fails to accomplish? 

This feels all too familiar. Just like last year, when athletes at LINHS had to solicit funds from students to cover their expenses, it shows that public school athletes still struggle to get the support they need. While we’re thankful that LINHS is one of the ten schools in Batangas chosen to receive sports equipment, it highlights a sad truth: the Department of Education (DepEd) and the government aren’t giving athletes the support they deserve.

Take Alyssa Valdez as an example. She grew up attending a public school and got a sports scholarship that helped her become one of the most successful volleyball players in the country. Her story proves that public school athletes can achieve great things. But how many talented students don’t get the same chance because they lack proper resources and support? Students who might become the next Alyssa Valdez.

Even at the national level, the same problem exists. Last year, we saw EJ Obiena, one of our top athletes, publicly express his frustration over the mishandling of funds by the Philippine Athletics and Track and Field Association (PATAFA). The government itself admitted that there’s not enough funding for sports programs. If our national athletes struggle with this, what can we expect for athletes in public schools like ours?

Republic Act 10676, which is supposed to protect student-athletes, doesn’t even guarantee them real support. It only suggests possible benefits, leaving young athletes to handle both schoolwork and training without enough assistance.

Don’t get me wrong— we appreciate Creamline-Rebisco. But isn’t it time for the government, especially the DepEd, to step up? Sports programs shouldn’t have to rely on the kindness of private companies. It’s the government’s job to make sure our athletes have what water to gulp after the game and convenience to days.

If nothing changes, public school athletes will always be stuck depending on donations or fundraising just to stay in the game. 

It’s time for DepEd to sort things out. If they keep ignoring sports programs in public schools, we’ll miss out on future champions—and we’ll let down the students who dedicate time and talent in preparation.

So, here’s the real question: will we always rely on others to do what the government should have done in the first place?

Bigyan niyo ang mga Atletang Pilipino ng magandang laro, hindi ‘yung kayo ang nakikipaglaro.