As the provincial government of Negros Occidental gears up for the upcoming U-19 qualifier, in collaboration with the Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA), the Provincial Sports Office, led by Anthony Carlo Agustin, convened a consultative meeting with all the participating coaches and the NOFA board members at the Negros Residences on March 12.
Agustin reiterated the stance of the provincial government when it comes to the development and expansion of various sports all over the province. Through the Abanse Negrense Sports Program, he emphasized sports as a significant tool in promoting camaraderie, solidarity, sportsmanship, and unity among the Negrense athletes and sports enthusiasts.
He added that he’s hoping for the full and sincere support of NOFA, the local government units, and the coaches to continuously promote and develop football in the province. He stressed the power of sports to unite and not divide societies, saying he’s optimistic the consultative meeting will pave the way to address the issues and differences in opinions surrounding the upcoming 2024 Abanse Negrense Governor’s Cup Provincial Football Qualifying.
Agustin said he felt that some parties intend to stir up issues and lace the program with self-interests. However, he remains hopeful that with the support of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and the provincial government of Negros Occidental, the goals of the Abanse Negrense Sports Program, as well as NOFA’s mission and vision to promote football and produce skilled Negrense athletes, will finally come to fruition.
Other topics of discussion during the consultative meeting included the clarification on the ground rules, deadline of submissions, schedules of tournaments, clustering, and the documentary requirements, among others. The upcoming NOFA elections was also brought to light, in which the association assured that they are still waiting for the approval of the election schedule by the PFF (Philippine Football Federation).
Apart from Agustin, the meeting was attended by Provincial Football Consultant Coach Ronald Allan Treyes, San Carlos FC Vice President Jose Miguel Valmayor (San Carlos FC), NOFA Board of Director Augustine Rey Rivas, Philippine National Team Assistant Coach Norman Fegidero, Bacolod United FC’s Rene Dofitas, various school and LGU-based football coaches, and the PSO staff.*
