Mindanao Sports for Peace 2022: A Smashing Success

“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me” – this powerful line taken from the song is a proverbial reminder that peace is an inner initiative that radiates from within and transcends culture, color and race. 

The first Mindanao Sports for Peace was conducted fourteen years ago in NDMC in 2008. It was a huge delegation of children coming from the places of conflict in Midsayap. 

It was an immortal legacy of the Philippine Sports Commission headed by Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and a great dream realized by Fr. Romeo S. Saniel, OMI then President of NDMC.

The said activity aimed at providing creative and fun venue for children in conflict so they may see the other side of where they are. 

The children also got top notch professional training from the members of the PSC. It also allowed the children to take the step of stripping the stereotype concept of conflict and to trust each other.

The role of playing the game is far more therapeutic in treating trust issues. One develops confidence, trust and teamwork all along the game.

This year’s three-day Mindanao Sports for Peace was conducted at the Notre Dame of Midsayap College last May 13 - 15. 

The activity is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission in partnership with NDMC through the vision and leadership of Fr. Romeo S. Saniel, OMI – the PSC BARMM Coordinator.

The event started with a motorcade around the town participated in by the delegations from Kapinpilan, Upper Labas, Malingao, Rangaban, Damatulan, Tugal and Macasendeg. Delegations from Greater Midsayap Area, Aleosan, Libungan and Pigcawayan also joined the activity.  

The activity formally opened at the Bulwagang Genoveva Deles-Jaranilla on May 13. Fr. Jonathan R. Domingo, OMI – NDMC President gave his Welcome Remarks to the audience. 

This was followed by the Program Rationale given by Fr. Romeo S. Saniel, OMI – PSC BARMM Coordinator. Chairman Nu-Man C. Caludtiag of PSC BARMM gave his message. 

Mr. Pochollo Eligino gave the Keynote Address representing Mr. Eduardo Fernandez – PSC Mindanao Coordinator. 

Messages of support were extended by the Mayor-elect Rolly Sacdalan, Councilor-elect Christopher Jatico and Board Member-elect Manuel Rabara. Engr. Ronniel D. Labio, MIT – NDMC VPAA gave his Closing Remarks.

The second part of the program was the Psycho Social Support Services headed by Mrs. Maria Fe Mahinay – NDMC Guidance Counselor. There was also a four-part Coaches Training conducted by the members of the PSC team and at the same time the conduct of Psyco Social Support Services Session with the participants.

The whole day of May 14 was devoted for the Sports Clinic of the participants and the last series of the Coaches Training.

On May 15 is the Closing Program of Mindanao Sport for Peace 2022. Mr. Rey Postrado, MAPD – PSC Coordinator for Greater Midsayap Area gave his Opening Message. 

This was followed by the sharing of Learning Insights from Aladin Manial, Reymar Manjero, Angelica  Amir Esmael and Rasul Angas, LPT. Mr. Pochollo Eligino – PSC Representative gave his Message of Response. 

Fr. Saniel and Mr. Eligino proceeded with the symbolic distribution of basketballs and soccer balls to the participants.