"Appreciate what you have," Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez said during his inspirational message at the start of the Communicate Sports: A Sports Journalism Seminar for the Youth at Lantawan Hall of The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City on Monday.
Ramirez told some 300 student writers that they may be facing hardships and difficulties in life but they must not complain, saying, "Poverty was a step to a better life. It was difficult and enjoyable. That's life for me."
The PSC chief is a product of Padada Elementary School in Davao del Sur and completed his High School education at St. Michael's College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree Major in History as a working student.
"This guy in front of you grew up very, very poor. Pinagtawanan ang English ko in an oratorical contest. I lost to an Ateneo boy. I was a very good speaker, bilib ako sa sarili ko but I don't know how I pronounced my words then. I had a very good French-Canadian coach at St. Mary's. At that time I disagreed with the judges. Pero may winner's attitude naako at may competitive spirit," Ramirez recalled, adding that
his poverty inspired him to work harder although he was just an average student.
His involvement in boys scouting and sports, which taught him values and character, helped transform his life for the better. He became the first and only person to be appointed as PSC chairman twice with a very colorful resume to back him from being a basketball coach to becoming an educator, Davao City sports chief, Ateneo university athletics director, PSC consultant, commissioner and chief of the sports agency.
He also said the gathering is not only about writing or appreciating sports but also leadership.
"If you have leadership, you have character," Ramirez added. Character, he said, will equip them to seek the truth as they chronicle sports in their respective campuses. He, however, added that no matter how one wants to be objective in writing, it will still be subjective especially when he/she writes from the heart.
He also urged the students to go on trips to broaden their perspectives in life. "There is so much to learn in this world. I encourage you to save money, don't invest on cellphones, have time to travel because there is much to learn in this world."
Ramirez went on saying that though he was an ordinary man from Padada, he was able to see different countries in the world through sports.
"You will also have your time," he assured.
He said that similar sports journalism seminars will also be held in Luzon and the Visayas.
PSC Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey, for his part, thanked all participants who came as far as Kidapawan City and in other parts of Davao region including Panabo City, Davao Oriental, Digos City, Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur, Davao City and Compostela Valley, among others.
"Campus journalists, you are the communicators and messengers of your schools. You are also our partners in promoting sports," Maxey said.
Resource speakers yesterday included Ed Fernandez (Communicate Sports: About the Project, The Challenges of Sports Journalism), Dr. Serge Opena (PSC in the Grassroots) and Dr. Gem Valderrama (Sports Feature Writing).
VoxPop Davao sports editor Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan will discuss Sportswriting on Tuesday, February 13, while Fernandez will tackle Photography and Designing the Sports Page.