Former athlete-turned-high school teacher Mark Andy Araba was sitting on one of the yellow seats at the Capitol Gym in Borongan City Monday night, looking on as other shuttlers took the court in the first-ever Padul-ong Fun Borongan Badminton Cup.
Beside him was fellow educator and men’s doubles partner Japa Palce. Both believe that the event, organized by the Borongan Badminton Club in partnership with the city government as part of the month-long fiesta activities, would greatly benefit the youth.
“I am very happy nga naiupod it badminton kay since it ESBVL (Eastern Samar Basketball and Volleyball League), volleyball and basketball, maupay daman nga mayda badminton para it mga bata na mahilig it badminton, ma-develop it ira skill,” said 24-year-old Araba, a science teacher at the Maydolong National High School. Araba used to play for the Eastern Samar State University-Maydolong badminton team and competed in the Quintuple Meet among ESSU campuses.
Participating in the Padul-ong Cup helped him realize that his athletic prowess never waned. But, now a teacher, Araba believes that it is time to pass on the skills to his students. “At least yana, teacher na ak, matututduan ko it ak mga estudyante ng badminton at pasasalihin ko sa mga events,” said Araba.
“It iba nga mga player (in the tournament), maupay na. Mga bata pala nalaban na it mga tigurang, kaya nila makipaglaban. Maupay nga mayda ginbubuhat nga sugad hin nga event para it mga bata ma-expose hin sugad hin nga mga uyas,” added Araba.
Palce, a teacher at Guindalitan Elementary School also in Maydolong, pointed out how sports help enrich the lives of children – strengthening their bodies and veering them away from vices as well as the negative effects of the overuse of gadgets.
“Proven na ang sport is a big help when it comes to physical health ng mga kabataan. Sport is a big way para ma-divert it kabataan from vices, makahilig hira it sports. Lalo yana, because of the rise of technology, it mga bata nahihilig it mga gadgets, staying at home all day long. Why not they try sports yana nga naging open na it city it different sports,” said 28-year-old Palce.
Palce, who used to play for the Maydolong National High School volleyball team, appreciates the inclusion of badminton in the city’s sports efforts and hopes that more sports will be showcased in Borongan.
“Good thing kasi because of our norms in society it Philippines, nag-focus kita it sport more on volleyball and basketball, which is sa basketball focus lang sila more it lalaki, volleyball naman focus la hiya more on babaye. It badminton kasi, open to all genders, all ages, kaya masaya kami na mayda badminton,” said Palce.
“And, actually, diri la maging limited to basketball, volleyball or badminton it Borongan but maging open na hiya to different sports para ma-cater niya ngatanan na mga tawo dinhi ha city,” added Palce.
Araba is open to coaching in case a badminton team is officially formed in Maydolong National High School, but notes how the lack of equipment, proper training, and funding limit the school. “Mayda team pero diri pa organized, kulang pa it equipment, training,” said Araba. “Pero mayda na mga athletes didto na nagku-compete han mga provincial meet. Han una mayda mga EVRAA (Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association) players pero maiha na nga panahon, mga tigurang na,” he added.
His dream for badminton in Eastern Samar is to produce athletes who would qualify and compete in the Palarong Pambansa. “Sana mayda mga athletes pa para mailaban ngadto it Palarong Pambansa. Kailangan mayda pa enough nga pondo para matagan it mga sugad dinhi nga urugyasan,” said Araba.
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