The Laro’t Saya Program (LSP) in Dumaguete City continues to make an impact, having produced local athletes who have competed in grassroots sports competitions such as the Philippine National Games and the Palarong Pambansa, according to the City’s Sports Development Officer Ike Xavier Villaflores.

“Yung sa arnis natin, ‘yung mga bata nila ngayon ay nagco-compete na sa Palarong Pambansa at Philippine National Games. Hindi lang arnis, pati ‘yung mga ibang sports na na-introduce natin dito sa Laro’t Saya sa Parke Program,” Villaflores said.

Besides discovering talents, he noted that the LSP has significantly contributed to the health and physical wellness of its participants, regardless of age or gender.

The Laro’t Saya Program in Dumaguete City was formally launched on August 16, 2015, under the leadership of then-PSC Chairman Ricardo Garcia. 

Villaflores expressed gratitude to the PSC for its continuous support of the city’s youth and physical activities program and encouraged other communities to adopt the LSP, citing its positive results.

“Nung nagsimula po sila, maliliit pa po sila nung ma-introduce ‘yung Laro’t Saya dito sa Dumaguete City. Ngayon, sila’y nasa collegiate level na at competitive na,” Villaflores stated.

He added, “Pati na sa disiplina at academics ay na-improve nila.”

Over the last weekend, around 400 participants joined the program, learning and playing sports for free, including arnis, boxing, chess, football, karate, pencak silat, pickleball, sepak takraw, taekwondo, tai-chi, volleyball, and zumba.

Villaflores mentioned that a 76-year-old joined this year’s LSP as the oldest participant, while the youngest was a four-year-old.

The LSP in Dumaguete runs every weekend throughout the year.