Deputy House Speaker Pia Cayetano leads the ceremonial kick to open the 4th Pinay in Action (PIA) All Women's Football Cup at the Tionko Football Field in Davao City on Saturday afternoon. PNA Photo by Lilian C Mellejor
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House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Pia Cayetano emphasized the need to strengthen the country’s grassroots sports development program to develop young athletes particularly in football.

Deputy House Speaker Pia Cayetano leads the ceremonial kick to open the 4th Pinay in Action (PIA) All Women’s Football Cup at the Tionko Football Field in Davao City on Saturday afternoon. PNA Photo by Lilian C Mellejor

Cayetano made the comment after the Visayas failed to send a team to the 4th Pinay in Action (PIA) All Women’s Football Cup which ended on Sunday at Tionko Football Field here.

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She said the Visayas has not signed up for the PIA football meet “because there are no players”.

Cayetano, a triathlete and former national volleyball player, said she would push an approach supporting grassroots sports programs at the local level.

“Football is not strong at the collegiate level. So we have to start local initiatives,” said Cayetano, former senator, during a ceremonial kick off on Saturday.

Cayetano said the provinces and cities will have to decide which sports they think their kids could excel.

She added that she would focus more on sectors that have difficulty in securing financial assistance like the persons with disabilities and the children with special needs.

She added that she also supports the creation of a separate department of sports.

A total of 15 teams from Mindanao and Luzon including University of the Philippines (UP) and University of Sto. Tomas participated in the three-day football event aims to empower women and girls by providing a healthy lifestyle.

Cayetano’s daughter, Nadine, is a member of the UP team. (PNA)

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