PBA Stresses Importance Of Education to Children

From the time he took over the helm of the Philippine Basketball Association, commissioner Sonny Barrios has strongly pushed for the promotion of education – reading in particular – among the under privileged children as part of the league’s outreach program.

So it’s not surprising that when the opportunity arises, the soft-spoken commissioner takes time out from his hectic schedule to visit and touch the lives of our young. Last November 21, commissioner Barrios led a PBA delegation that interacted with the children of the Gawad Kalinga Community in Bgy. Nangka, Marikina City.

Keeping him company were members of the Barangay Ginebra team headed by team manager Samboy Lim, Gabe Norwood and Sol Mercado of Rain or Shine, Richard Yee, Mark Yee and Beau Belga of Burger King and Jimmy Alapag, Ali Peek and Jared Dillinger of Talk N’ Text.
Some 300 children and their parents, who were assembled at a small basketball gym, greeted Barrios and his entourage with wild cheers and applause while the group were making their way to the gym.

After things had settled, Rico Villanueva started the ball rolling by taking centerstage and reading some children stories from a book while the kids, who were in a circle around him, listened attentively, some staring at him in awe.
“The PBA family is truly thankful to the fans. They’re the reason why the league has remained strong through all these years. And this outreach program is our little way of giving back to the community. The office of the commissioner also would like to thank the Board of Governors for their all out support of this project,” Barrios said.

“These children look up to the players as heroes and models so I also want to thank them for finding time to be here and help achieve our goal. We in the PBA not only promote the game of basketball. We also promote wellness and clean environment through our outreach programs. Today we are promoting education – particularly reading. Hopefully, our efforts will somehow inspire these children and make them realize the value of education.”
In his short speech, Barrios encouraged the parents, whose families were devastated by typhoon

Ondoy, to stay strong, rise to the challenge and never give up even when things don’t work well.
The event turned into a party when Ronald Tubid, Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Yee, Gabe Norwood, Jared Dillinger and Jimmy Alapag put on their dancing shoes and gamely performed with the kids.

Before calling it a day, the PBA delegation donated school supplies, backpacks, rubber balls, vitamins (Fern C) and 700 pairs of rubber slippers courtesy of Islander.