DAVAO City's judokas will soon have a home to call their own.
This after newly-appointed Philippine Judo Federation (PJF) chairman Nestor Ma offered a part of his 1,000-square meter building along Maa Diversion Road as the new training center for judo and office of the Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Sports Institute (PSC-PSI).
Ma made the offer to PSC Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez, saying, "Nung nag-usap kami ni chairman Butch, sabi ko pwede natin gamitin yung part ng San EI Bldg. para sa grassroots development ng athletes."
The 47-year-old businessman-sportsman added that the portion of the building being offered served as the National Campaign Headquarters of President Rodrigo Duterte.
He said that the center will accommodate all judokas not just in the city but also from the entire region.
"Anytime pwede silang gumamit as soon as it opens. Priority natin ang Davao kasi I live here but we are going out to other regions," Ma said, adding that he is just waiting for the guidelines of the PSC and the PJF on when the training center will operate. He, however, assured that it will be in 2017.
He also said that his chairmanship is a huge responsibility. He eyes several programs for the development of the sport and he also aims to unify all judo clubs.
"Sila kasi yung mas nakakaalam. Ako para lang akong tatay na pagkakaisahin yung mga anak," he said as he urged judo clubs to unite instead for the benefit of the sport and the athletes.
He, however, promised to hear the concerns of each club and will consult them regarding judo grassroots development.
An election will be held in January, according to him, and he hopes that judo stakeholders will support whoever gets elected.
Ma also said he will provide athletes with equipment for their training.
He also offered to provide an office for the Davao Sportswriters.