IN WHAT could become a significant milestone and a major turning-point for the revival of Talisay City sports, some 300 stakeholders including delegates from the Department of Education (DepEd) and Talisay City's 27 barangays met in a one-day Mayor Neil Lizares 1ST Talisay City Sports Development Summit last August 15, 2017 at the Talisay City Hall's Dela Rama Hall.

The morning session started with the customary welcome and message greetings from Sangguniang Panglungsod Members (SPM) for Sports Gabriel Villacin and Rolin Meliton and Mr. Romualdo Batallones, DepEd District Supervisor.

During the morning session, three highly-acclaimed resource speakers were invited to talk on the grassroots development of their respective sports and on how to develop world-class and Olympian athletes.

The first speaker was former Philippine Sports Commissioner Mr. Eric Loretizo who, started his career and love for sports as a media sports journalist, shared his grassroots experience in the development of sports.

Next to speak was Mr. Ricky Santiago, a 6th Dan blackbelt Taekwondo master and two-time Oympics referee who shared his experiences on his competition trips abroad and lectured on the structure and hierarchy of Philippine Taekwondo. He also shared insights on how the DepEd stakeholders can maximize their resources to develop the potential of the student athlethes.

The last speaker who needed no more introduction was Mr, Chieffy Caligdong, former Azkals team captain and Philippine football icon. He also shared his experience in developing world-class footballers, gave tips on training and also explained the hierarchy and politics in Philippine football.

In the afternoon, Mayor Neil Lizares gave his message and reminded the audience to work harder for the revival of sports in Talisay. He also vowed to fully support the development of selected sports to include, among others, basketball, football, taekwondo, volleyball and badminton. He further stated that sports instills discipline in the youth and is a good distraction to drug abuse.

As a solid proof of commitment, next came the pledge of support with the signing in the covenant wall by the stakeholders. This was followed then by Assistant City Administrator Ismael Penado's brief backgrounder on the formation of the Talisay City Sports Development Council. The Council, to include Mayor Neil Lizares, SPM for Sports Gabriel Villacin, Executive Assistant for Sports Renel Garcia and representatives from the DepEd, coaches, athletes and the private sector, will form the governing body to draft the framework and push for the strategy and development goals for Talisay sports.

The day ended with the delegates reporting and breaking into small discussion groups citing the top concerns and challenges they face in pushing the sports industry in Talisay City.
Mayor Neil Lizares in his message said, "today's summit is an opportune time to plan together for the future of sports in Talisay. Let us not put it into waste but make productive what we have set out together today."

Photos by Jonaz Lojera Delleva and Leo Jayme (Tito Leo J)