NAGA CITY- The city government successfully conducted the two-day Naga City Sports Stakeholders Summit on February 16 and 17 at the Pagcor Building, Balatas Development Complex in Barangay Balatas, gathering coaches, athletes, and sports enthusiasts to help shape the future of local sports.
The summit aimed to equip participants with the capability to chart the city’s sports development program for the next three to five years, an output produced after a workshop on the second day with active participation from various stakeholders.
Coach Noli Ayo expressed optimism over the direction of local sports, citing the strong support of Leni Robredo, whom he described as a dedicated “sports parent” with firsthand experience raising three swimmer children.
Mayor Leni Robredo is also strongly advocating for the development of grassroots sports, emphasizing the need to invest in young athletes at the community level. She underscored that building a strong sports culture begins in neighborhoods and schools, where discipline, teamwork, and opportunity can shape not only future champions but also healthier and more empowered citizens.
Local sports advocates welcomed the presence and contributions of four Olympians, a sports celebrity, four coaches, and a UAAP volleyball star, whose messages inspired young athletes within the city. During visits to several schools, the visiting athletes and coaches also reminded student-athletes preparing for the March 8 Palarong Bicol to remain focused on their studies and maintain balance between academics and sports.
Ayo said the Olympians’ participation greatly benefited local athletes, especially as they shared personal stories about the discipline, training, and character needed to reach the Olympic stage. He emphasized that, according to the visiting mentors, aspiring athletes in Naga possess the same potential as those who succeeded internationally.
The Olympians who took part in the summit were Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, Jessie Lacuna, Henry Dagmil, and Akiko Thompson-Guevara. Keynote speakers included Gretchen Ho, who discussed the power of storytelling in sports, and Coach Rechie Tugawin, who shared best practices from grassroots programs such as Batang Pinoy.
Workshop sessions were facilitated by Coach Santy Edralin for the city’s long-term sports roadmap, Cagayan Provincial Board Member Charo Soriano of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, and Coach Julius Naranjo of the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy, reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustained and inclusive sports development. | via Jason Neola
