While the nation continues to rejoice over the stunning victory of boxer Manny Pacquiao against Mexican Erik Morales, the Philippine Sports Commission has started preparations to launch two programs to train and develop elite athletes and coaches in the country.

The Philippine Sports Institute and the National Unified Sports Program will be launched by the PSC on February 16 and 17 at the PSC Philsports center in Pasig City, PSC chairman William Ramirez said.

Ramirez said there is an urgent need for a national center of sports excellence for the training and development of elite athletes and coaches for high performance sports as a means to implement the national program founded on the international principle of "Sports for All."

The launching ceremony on February 16 will be highlighted with a speech by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which will be followed by the 1st PSC Call for Action and Partnership.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuanco Jr. is also scheduled to discuss the bedrock of an excellent sports development program through the intertwining of the Olympic movement and government initiatives in the country.

The second day of the activity will have laying of the groundwork for Philippine Sports. It will be highlighted by speeches from major stakeholders on their commitment and support to the National Unified Sports Program.

Among the speakers at the activity will be chairman Carlito Puno of the Commission on Higher Education, Acting Education Secretary Fe Hidalgo, DILG Secretary Angelo Reyes and PSC Commissioner Ricardo Gloria.*AP

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