The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has named the Province of Ilocos Norte as a “model” of the “Active Citizen Network” in the Philippines for its dynamic promotion of healthy lifestyles and sports even during the pandemic.
According to Ms. Helen Rose M. Domingo, Ilocos Norte Sports Development Officer III, the ASEAN conducted a benchmark in the province after learning about the various sports activities staged in Ilocos Norte in the last years.
“Nakita ng ASEAN na ‘Bakit ang Ilocos Norte ganito ka-active?’ So kinontak nila kami at sabi nila, ‘We will make a survey kung ano ang mga ginagawa ninyo diyan. Lumabas na we surpassed their benchmarking. Then, they came up with the final report. Ngayon, ang sinasabi nila, tayo ang magiging model sa Active Citizen Network dito sa Pilipinas,” she said.
Ms. Domingo continued that one aspect of the “Active Citizen Network” is to assess sports participation among people of all ages in the community, including children, youth, adults, and seniors.
Since non-contact sports are allowed under the Modified General Community Quarantine, the Ilocos Norte Sports and Development Office kicked off the “Ilocos Cycling Tour” on October 3, 2020, to promote a healthy lifestyle and assist in the revival of the local economy and tourism. The second and final cycle of the sports event took place on December 30, 2020, and February 27, 2021, respectively.
Ilocos Norte also hosted the inaugural season of the Premier Volleyball League last year, and served as a bubble training camp for several national volleyball teams as well as Philippine Basketball Association teams.
In addition, Second District Congressman Angelo Marcos Barba has been sponsoring local beach volleyball tournaments in Ilocos Norte while adhering to the minimum health standards.
Recently, Governor Manotoc is encouraging the Provincial Capitol employees to participate in his “Bike-to-Work” Ride initiative every Friday.— Blessing Angel V. Agliam, PGIN-CMO
