Two House Bills (HB) are pending in Congress, HB 5728 and HB 5782.
The International Filipino Sports Achievers Recognition and Career Development Act or HB 5728, authored by Iligan Rep. Frederick Siao, would grant automatic civil service professional eligibility to athletes who garnered awards in the international level, whether podium finish or set records. This will qualify them for permanent appointment in regular plantilla positions in the public sector, or the private sector as a result of their international competition achievements,” Fortun said
Meanwhile, HB 5782 or the “Bayaning Atletang Filipino Act, authored by Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Lawrence Fortun seeks to create the Orden ng Pambansang Atleta (Order of National Athletes), the Balangay Medal for Sportsmanship and the National Endowment Fund for Sports Heroes. Recipients of the Orden ng Pambansang Atleta will elevate sport icons to a level “comparable with national artists and scientists,” he said.
“Our athletes, whose sweat and blood earned great pride and respect for our country, should be given the prominent recognition they so richly deserve, as they continue to inspire Filipinos, young and old, to be of contribution to society. It is, thus, imperative for the government to institutionalize a permanent system for recognizing and rewarding our sports heroes,” Fortun further said.
(Photo source: Inquirer Sports)
Southern Leyte Times