There have been numerous news stories involving finding adequate space and facilities for people to play sports. Kids, adults, amateurs, and pros alike can benefit from area design that takes into account evolving population and infrastructure needs. It is more than just having a field somewhere. It is understanding how a field fits with existing playgrounds, schools, recreation centers, etc. That is, a strategic plan or design that maximizes space and financial resources. Especially when money is tight, planning of this nature is important to increase the likelihood of positive societal impact.

We came across a story from the Philippines Information Agency (we’ll go anywhere for a story!) that highlights the essence of the motivation behind one city’s efforts in this area.

Team created to draft city’s sports code

by Paul Rillorta

BAGUIO CITY, August 6 — Mayor Mauricio Domogan this week signed Administrative Order No. 95 series of 2011 officially creating a Technical Working Committee (TWC) to draft the city’s sports code.

City Administrator Carlos Canilao has been tasked to chair the drafting committee in formulating the city’s Comprehensive Sports Development Program (CSPD) which will be incorporated in the proposed city sports code.

The Sangunian Panglungsod Committee on Youth Welfare and Sports Development will co-chair the TWC with members coming from the City Sports Development Office, City Public Information Office, City Mayors Office, City Administrators Office and 3 representatives from duly accredited sports organizations in the city.

Domogan said, ‘the current city administration envisions the empowerment of the citizenry through the development of sports as part of its social responsibility in actively promoting and developing sports tourism, physical fitness and excellence through competitive sporting events’.

He also said, this will address the numerous problems, issues and concerns besetting the city’s sports program which have greatly affected the implementation of a sustainable sports program geared towards developing grassroots sports’.

The drafting committee is given a period of sixty days to formulate the city’s sports code which shall embody a comprehensive sports development program of the city. *(PR-PIO Baguio City/PIA CAR)