If she can have her way, newly appointed sports commissioner Olivia “Bong’ Coo would like to increase the number of hours allotted for Physical Education in elementary and high school.
The 74-year-old bowling icon has yet to take his oath before President Bongbong Marcos, but she has been doing her function as the first appointed commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission.
Marcos has yet to announce the three other board members and the chairmanship previously held by Butch Ramirez, who is leaving a big shoe to fill following a successful six-year stint marked by an overall championship in the 2019 Philippine Southeast Asian Games and a gold-medal conquest in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Coo wants to continue the country’s global excellence in sports and more responsible citizens by building more potential at the grassroots.
“Sports builds character. Kaya sa mga kabataan, dapat dito tayo mag focus. Sana madagdagan ang hours ng Physical Education sa mga schools kasi sa sports matututunan mo on how to respect the rules, respect others, how to take both defeat and victory,’ said Coo.
She recalled that in her younger years, she used to play baseball and volleyball in her PE subject, scheduled daily.
Then, she found her true love and passion in bowling, earning her three titles in the World Championship and a World Cup trophy.
As of now, Coo said she continues to learn the ropes in government service.
“It’s a big task really but I’m learning a lot, especially from Atty. Iron ( PSC Executive Director and OIC),” she said.
Coo has started attending events that need the presence of a PSC official even on weekends or holidays. On Sunday, she attended the launch of the official mascot for the FIBA World Basketball Cup at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
The Philippines will host the FIBA World Cup from Aug. 25 to Sept. 2023.