(Un)just puso: why the heart is not enough to heal the ailing system of sports development in the Philippines - a study on the plight of Philippine national athletes

Abstract

Filipinos are naturally in love with the idea of sports. In fact, we are very passionate about it. A perfect example is that of basketball. In almost every street In the Philippines you will see a basketball court filled with kids and adults just enjoying the beauty of the game. Most of them are dreaming to be the next Jimmy Alapag of the country and be that person who will represent the country and make his countrymen scream for the glory of the Philippines in sports. Filipinos are very blessed in terms of the competitive spirit, drive, and motivation to excel in sports. Needless to say, we've got very talented athletes who are pouring their hearts out in the sport they fell in love with. And as what their motto implies: LABAN PILIPINAS! PUSO! However, heart is not enough. The Filipino athletes are not being given enough assistance by the government. Some even pay for their own training, food, and fare in order to represent the country in international competitions. Take for example Michael Martinez, a figure-skater who turned out to be the only athlete to represent the Philippines in the 2014 Winter Olympics. He trained on his lonesome and solicited money from his friends, colleagues, and private entities just to get enough money for the fare and allowance in the Olympics. The Philippines is a country gifted with great talent and persevering athletes who are eager to get better and represent the country. But it's very evident that the government has not placed sports development in its priority. It is just so unfair for national athletes to sacrifice their body, time, and effort for the glory of the Philippines and the government can't provide what is expected from them which are sufficient funding and legal support.