The Aktibo Dabawenyo, a health and wellness program of the Davao City Sports Development Division of the City Mayor’s Office (SDD-CMO), which was launched in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, will continue in 2023 to encourage more Dabawenyos to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle.
SDD-CMO officer-in-charge Mikey Aportadera, during the Madayaw Dabaw program of 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) aired on Tuesday, January 3, said, “Ibalik nato ang kadasig sports in Davao City. Nalipay ko that our mayor has the same vision nga ibalik ang active Dabawenyos (Let’s bring back the excitement of sports in Davao City. I’m glad our mayor has the same vision to bring back the active Dabawenyos).”
The Aktibo Dabawenyo program first benefited children in conflict with the law (CICL) housed at Bahay Pagasa in Bago Oshiro, Tugbok District. The program jumpstarted in partnership with Milo.
Aportadera said they also brought veteran Davao City coaches and trainers in Marilog and Paquibato districts to promote sports among the youth.
“Ang mga bata gitudluan how to train in running – road and trail running. Gidala sad namo ang football, naabot mi sa Paquibato (The children were taught how to train in running – road and trail running. We also brought football in Paquibato),” he said. The clinics were implemented while strictly enforcing COVID-19 health protocols.
The city sports chief also said they would focus on three of the country’s popular sports: basketball, volleyball, and football. According to him, these are three sports that they find easy to implement with active partner local sports organizations.
Aportadera also said, “We will use barangay courts for the grassroots futsal program.”
He recalled that at the start of the pandemic, their office collaborated with the Department of Education (DepEd) Davao City in training coaches, trainers, and coordinators on the updated rules and regulations of different sports and how to manage their athletes.
According to him, the trainers’ program will continue this year, and certification of potential and interested technical officials in the barangays is also part of their 2023 priorities.
He added that the city’s sports programs also welcome out-of-school youth (OSY) in the barangays, where homegrown talents are waiting to be discovered. CIO
