MANILA, Philippines – Buo ang suporta ni Senator Pia Cayetano sa koponan ng Gilas Pilipinas Under-18 Women’s Basketball na nakatakdang sumabak sa qualifier games sa Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Under-18 Championship na gaganapin sa Thailand.
Aniya, sa pamamagitan ng isang video message, ang kanyang pagsuporta para sa koponan ng Gilas Pilipinas at kung gaano sila ipinagmamalaki ng kani-kanilang pamilya.
Nagsisilbi rin sila, ani Senator Pia, na inspirasyon para sa mga kabataan at sa buong bansa.
Ibihagi rin ng babaeng senador ang kanyang karanasan bilang dating miyembro ng national volleyball team. “I was a volleyball player when I was your age and it takes a lot to get to the level where you are now. At that tender age, you’ve reached that height of competition and you’re representing the country. That is both an honor and a privilege.”
Binigyang diin ng Senador sa kanyang mensahe ang kahalagahan ng national pride ngunit hindi pa rin nawawala ang taglay na kababaang-loob: “Remember when you walk through the airport, leaving the country, you carry with you the Philippine flag. Bear it with pride, act with humility, and bring with you all the lessons you’ve learned in sportsmanship. Know that the Filipinos are proud of you. I am proud of you.”
Sa pamamagitan ng inisyatiba ni Senator Cayetano, nakatanggap ang koponan ng suporta mula sa Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) sa kanilang pagsabak sa qualifying event ng FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup.
Maglalaro ang Gilas Pilipinas kontra sa katunggaling koponan mula sa rehiyon ng Southeast Asia mula 24-26 Mayo sa Ratchaburi, Thailand.