Tarlac State University, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Provincial Government of Tarlac kickstarted the three-day seminar and workshop on community sports and wellness yesterday (February 27) at the TSU Hotel, Lucinda Campus.
The "Training of Trainers for Community Sports and Wellness Impact" is part of the CHED-funded university project titled "Tarlac State University PATH (Promotion of Awareness, Teamwork, And Health) Towards Community Sports and Wellness."
For the TSU PATH’s initial phase, TSU varsity and Department of Education coaches from Tarlac City and Tarlac Province divisions are targeted to enhance and raise the quality of sports education through holistic development utilizing the grassroots approach.
This program is also supported by Tarlac Province Governor Hon. Susan A. Yap under a tripartite MOA among the TSU, PGT, and CHED.
On her behalf, Provincial Sports Coordinator Mr. John Allan Brylle Manalang said that this is the first step of a long program for the betterment of the sports community in the province.
“Napaka-importante po na unahin po natin ang ating mga trainers and coaches dahil sila po ang magiging instrumento natin para po maging Center of Sports Excellence ang Tarlac Province dito po sa ating bansa. Kayo po ang magiging instrumento para maibaba po ang mga techniques, ang mga kaalaman, at mga pamamaraan kung paano po mag-iimprove at paano po lalakas ang mga kabataan at atletang Tarlaqeño. And just like our young athletes, we trainers and coaches will not stop the learning process,” he said.
Coach Ana Dulce Yango, the sports project lead from the Office of the Executive Director IV under the CHED Central Office, and Prof. Jet Martine S. Geronimo, Ethics Review Board Head of Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Dasmariñas, are the speakers for the first day of training.
Coach Yango discussed the importance of community sports and wellness programs, focusing on their benefits and impact on the community.
"In the ecosystem of sports, the education institutions [are] the ones that should be in charge of research development and education… The LGU cannot implement without you – the educators… We come [into] the ecosystem to educate [and] to develop. Napakaganda pong pagtatapos na makita natin ‘yung role natin… Making it clear to everyone that is our role – to make this happen," she said.
Meanwhile, Prof. Geronimo discussed mental toughness in sports psychology, long-term athlete development, behavior control, and program sustainability, among others.
“We try to build this kind of activity para sa ating community, para maging sustainable siya… Kahit umalis po tayo, tayo ang nagsimula niyan. Tayo ang nagkaron ng active participation dito,” he said.
TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco further emphasized the importance of the training and acknowledged the effort of the individuals behind this training, particularly the university's community sports and wellness committee.
"This will indeed have an impact on our community. Your commitment will not only improve the knowledge of those attending but will also enhance the reputation of our university in fostering professional development in sports and wellness," he said.
Moreover, on behalf of Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg, her executive assistant, Prof. Augusto N. Lulu Jr., welcomed the delegates to the training.
"As we gather here, let us recognize the profound impact that such initiatives can have on our society. By equipping individuals with the tools to become professional trainers, we are not only empowering them but also enriching the lives of those they will reach through their work.
Furthermore, by establishing a community-based wellness program, we are creating a support system that can alleviate anxiety and stress through active engagement in sports activities", he said.
TSU is the first state university in the country to receive this capacity-building program from CHED.
The training of trainers will continue until February 29, 2024. (jlmm-OPA)
Photo by John Michael D. Esteban
