In his keynote speech, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag puts emphasis on the state recognizing, protecting, and promoting the rights of student-athletes, followed by mentioning the commission’s initiatives in order to promote sports among communities.

Dr. Darilag delivered his keynote message to the delegates from the 11 participating state colleges and universities during the opening program of the Regional SCUAA Meet 2022 held in Southern Leyte State University’s open field.

After commending SLSU President Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes for the “successful hosting of the Regional SCUAA 2022”, the CHED Commissioner mentioned the Republic Act 10676 (Student-Athletes Protection Act), which provided student-athletes the avenue to sharpen their skills and abilities in amateur sports without sacrificing their education and well-being.

“We recognize the importance of protection and promotion of the rights of our student-athletes through athletic associations such as the SCUAA,” Dr. Darilag stated.

Aside from sports-related improvement, Dr. Darilag stated that the Regional SCUAA Meet also serves as an avenue to develop positive athletic values such as camaraderie, cooperation, and sportsmanship.

According to the commissioner, CHED is mandated to “bring about an expanded and enhanced life career and opportunities to our students,” and providing equitable learning opportunities to all of the students regardless of their socioeconomic status plays a crucial role.

“In line with the constitutional provision for the vital role of the youth in nation-building, the promotion of and protection of their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being, is paramount to their development,” Dr. Darilag added.

In addition to their role in empowering student-athletes, Dr. Darilag stated that it is also part of the CHED’s goals to promote sports to ensure a healthy and active lifestyle among Filipino communities.

“With our current crisis, we now realize how important health and fitness are in community development,” Dr. Darilag emphasized.

Dr. Darilag then mentioned that part of CHED’s initiatives in this endeavor is providing state universities and colleges with financial assistance for funding community programs such as dance workouts, body conditioning, mental health sessions, and other physical activities, as well as establishing community sports & wellness centers.

“This will propagate the mandate of CHED not only as an educational regulatory board, but as an instrument as well in guiding the NGIs and their surrounding communities toward establishing a healthy lifestyle, excellent quality of life, and responsible citizenry that will build a better nation,” Dr. Darilag further stated.

After expressing the main points of his keynote speech, the CHED commissioner expressed his utmost support to the SUCs in Eastern Visayas for the progress and development of higher education through sports and cultural activities.

For his closing remarks, Dr. Darilag quoted Knute Rockne, “One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it.”

Article by John Sydric Rendeza