DUTERTE COMMENDS OPBF, PROUD OF PH’S LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE IN BOXING

(Top photo) Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron (right) with OPBF President and GAB Chairman Baham Mitra (left) and GAB Commissioner Mar Masanguid, also national president of the Solid Duterte Supporters Group (SDSG) The Original Nationwide. (Below) Col. Damrong Simakajornboon of Thailand (2nd from left) receives his plaque of appreciation from Mitra in Palawan. Others in photo are (from left) GAB Commissioner Ed Trinidad and Mar Masanguid. (Photo by LITO DELOS REYES)

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has commended the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) for providing an opportunity for aspiring boxers to achieve their dreams.
Duterte sent his message during the 55th OPBF annual convention held Nov. 9-12 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
“The commitment of the organization to boxing throughout the region is truly noteworthy,” said Duterte.
“Let this event strengthen the federation’s resolve to produce some of the best boxers in Asia and Australia. With unity and cooperation, I am confident that you will help usher in a better future for the boxing world,” added Duterte.
Dutere said that he is also “proud of the Philippines’ legacy of excellence in the field of boxing.”
“From Pacho Villa to Manny Pacquiao, our champions have shown us how dedication and hard work can help us overcome challenges and reach the pinnacle of the sport.”
“Indeed, they became national inspiration for Filipinos and other peoples in the region.”
The 8-division world champion Pacquiao, on the other hand, also sent his warmest greetings to the members of the OPBF.
“I join you in conducting this meaningful gathering. Always be mindful that I am with you every step of the way while taking into account your welfare,” said Pacquiao, who is now an elected Senator of the Philippines.
“May you continue to be an inspiration to others to live a life that is anchored on discipline and sportsmanship,” said Pacquiao.
Meanwhile, separate messages were also given by Party-List representatives Mark Aeron Sambar (PBA) and Rodel Batocabe (Ako Bicol), Department of Health OIC Undersecretary Herminigildo Valle and Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucio Bayron.
“Federations, such as the OPBF are the one of the main reasons why this country remains to be full of hope in this sport,” said Rep. Sambar.
“We at Ako Bicol Party-List support the endeavors of the OPBF in strengthening the industry of professional boxing in the Pacific region,” said Rep. Batocabe.
“We recognize the need for the further improvement of the industry of the sports of boxing in order to maintain its status as a premier sports industry in the Pacific region and to advance the welfare of all our Filipino boxers,” he added.
DOH OIC Valle said hopes that “professional boxing throughout the region will continue to advance and provide networking opportunities for all participants.”
“The sports community is one of our newest partners as we seek to concretize our vision of All for Health for All. Reaching out to the unreached, those living in geographically isolated and difficult areas, in institutions, brings us closer to our goal of universal health care,” said Valle.
Mayor Bayron thanked the OPBF and the host Games and Amusements Board (GAB) for choosing Puerto Princesa City as the venue.
‘May this convention build strong foundation for leadership and ethics to fortify sustainable development in the field of professional boxing all over the region,” said Bayron.
GAB Chairman Abraham Kahlil “Baham” Mitra said that he is delighted to be as the new president of the OPBF. He succeeded former GAB Chairman and OPBF President Juan Ramon Guanzon, who is now the OPBF Secretary General.
“We will continue to make great strides in promoting further development that will bring us to how we envisioned our OPBF…bigger and better,” said Mitra. (LITO DELOS REYES)