National Unity Party president and Camarines Sur Rep. L. Ray Villafuerte called on the Senate to approve a measure aimed at promoting the development of grassroots sports to produce more Olympic medalists.

Villafuerte said the House of Representatives has already approved House Bill 8495, which will provide start-up funds or coupons to young athletes who cannot pay the dues of local sports or recreational clubs.

He said HB 8495 will complement the measure institutionalizing a program for the Philippine National Games (PNG) (HB 8468), which the House of Representatives and the Senate have already approved.

“The passage of the Financial Assistance Bill in the Senate to complement the proposed PNG Programme already passed by both legislative chambers, which similarly aims to promote the development of grassroots sports for the benefit of our skilled and dedicated young athletes across the country, is in line with President Marcos’ quest for reforms to ensure that we produce more medal winners in future Olympic Games and other international sporting competitions,” Villafuerte said.