Iloilo City eyes another Galing Pook award

Iloilo City Sports Academy (ICSA) again made it as national finalist to compete for the prestigious Galing Pook Awards 2024 in Manila on October 23.

“We are ready now. We are confident that we can get in,” said Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, expressing optimism about the recognition that highlights the city’s commitment to grassroots sports development.

The city is set to present the ICSA RISES or Realizing Ilonggo Strength, Excellence, and Success before a panel that will select the Top 10 out of 18 finalists.

Treñas expressed elation and pride in the achievements, saying, “I’m very excited because this time I will be going there myself and presenting this program.”

From its humble beginnings with just 160 athletes, ICSA now supports 3,344 young Ilonggos age 5-17 by offering free, year-round training in 20 sports disciplines. This success has opened doors for many, with young athletes emerging as local and national champions.

“I’m very happy with this program. The city really invested in here,” Treñas added.

The mayor praised the promising athletes, noting, “The kids are excelling. Many of our youth have been recruited by universities in Manila as scholars because of their abilities in sports.”

He also emphasized the inclusivity, stating, “This program is open to all.”

When asked about the possibility of adding gymnastics to the lineup, considering its potential for the Olympics, Treñas responded positively. He mentioned that if a qualified coach can be found, the city would hire them to help the kids.

ICSA now covers arnis, badmintion, boxing, chess, cycling, dart, frisbee, football, futsal, karate, lawn tennis, pencak silat, sepak takraw, running, skateboarding, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, wrestling, and wushu. (Janelle Marie Belarde/PIO-GIP)