City councilor Nestor Saavedra wants the institutionalization of the indigenous peoples (IPs) games in Puerto Princesa City so funds can be allocated for the event.
Saavedra, in a privilege speech Monday, said the IPs need funds from the city government to be able to join events like the IP Games.
“Nakaraan July 26 hanggang 27 ay nagpalaro ng palarong pangkatutubo sa buong Palawan. Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga kasamahan ko na sumuporta. Sana matulungan ninyo ako na mabigyan sila ng konting pansin. Ang hinihiling ko lang sana ay mabigyan ng pondo,” Saavedra said.
Saavedra heads the Committee on Indigenous People and Cultural Communities of the city council. He said he is seeking funding from the City Government so that the IPs would have something to bring home after joining the sports.
“What I want to see is when they go home after the event they can bring something. This event is not about their culture but they bring the name of the city. It does not mean that they should win but they bring honor to Puerto Princesa City,” he said.
His request was then referred to the Committee on Games and Amusement headed by Councilor Jimmy Carbonell for careful scrutiny.
The 2-day event held at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex from July 26- 27 drew over 300 IP participants.
Games included were competitions on pana, supok, sibat, langoy, pagbayo ng bigas and kadang-kadang.
