Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. has allowed the free use of facilities at the Iloilo Sports Complex in the upcoming Visayas Qualifying Leg of the Philippine Youth Games – Batang Pinoy 2019.

The sports event will be held in different venues of the province from February 23 until March 2.

Iloilo province will make available facilities at the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz, Iloilo City, including the swimming pool and the covered gym, in response to the request letter of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) dated January 21.

The Philippine Youth Games – Batang Pinoy 2019 is one of the flagship events of the PSC, which aligns with their mandate to “encourage sports programs, league competitions, and amateur sports program, including training for international competition; and the President’s directive to further the development of sports in the country, giving emphasis on the grassroots.”

It was declared as the National Sports Development Program for Children through Executive Order No. 79.

However, the governor said Iloilo province cannot extend financial assistance because it is currently working on a re-enacted budget and the sports event is not included in the supposed budget of the Provincial School Board.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan currently holds budget hearings on the remaining Iloilo provincial government offices. Appropriations committee Board Member (BM) Dorothy Paes said Iloilo’s P3.7-billion executive budget for 2019 will most likely be approved in March. (PNA)