WHO RUN THE WORLD?! Women coaches in Northern Mindanao share their challenges and hopes for sports in Mindanao during a kapihan session, hosted by the Xavier University Athletics Office through director Dr Vincent Padilla (leftmost) and coach Jessica Esparrago (fourth from left). From left to right: Dr Vincent Padilla, Melody Fair Jomuad, Welyn Ragasi, Jessica Esparrago, Elizabeth Jaramillo, Norma Adecer, Delia Vocal (at the back), Hazel Grace Matutina, and Judith Neri (far right). Supplied photo.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — The women coaches, who are members of the Mindanao Peace Games, shared on the challenges they have encountered in a seemingly male-dominated environment and their aspirations for sports development in Mindanao during a kapihan (coffee) session in April.
The group aims to empower more women into leadership positions, particularly in the field of sports.
In her talk, karate coach Jessica Esparrago from Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan said that stereotypes and gender norms should not prevent women athletes to excel and succeed in their chosen sport.
“Women in sports should be able to explore and develop their potentials in their chosen fields. We can achieve this by creating games focused on women athletes and events hosted or officiated by the women officials,” she said.
Esparrago continued: “Sad to say that in our society, men are being given a lot of privileges in some sports like basketball, soccer, and others. But I am happy that through the Mindanao Peace Games, women are being highlighted and serve as the prime movers of peace through sports. In the MPG, activities like Ted talks, movie nights, and media exposure are being provided.”
Esparrago is an XU Physical Education faculty member and Dan Blackbelt-holder of Japan Karate Association - Asia Pilipinas.
“I am proud of being a coach. I am a coach. I dress well during games and set myself as a role model to the athletes,” she declared.
“As a female coach, my participation in leadership summits, conventions, and seminars empowered me to achieve my full potential as a leader. That is why together with Dr Vincent Padilla (Xavier Ateneo Athletics Office director), we hosted this kapihan for all women coaches in the region to share our challenges and aspirations for sports in Mindanao.”
Elizabeth Jaramillo, a former national Dragon Boat player, also shared her experience at the gathering.
“Despite being poor, I was able to travel and see the world, through sports,” she said.
Jaramillo is now the coach of the basketball women team of Pilgrim Christian College (PCC) in Cagayan de Oro City.
Besides the former national Dragon Boat player, the kapihan, held on April 14, was able to gather seven leading women coaches from different fields (badminton, basketball, karatedo/arnis, and volleyball).
On behalf of the coaches, Esparrago appealed for support to advance their cause.
“As coaches, we are eager to develop further our coaching and officiating skills. There is a need for capacity-building programs and good venues for our practice sessions and games, particularly for those who are in the far-flung areas of Mindanao. We really need support from the government and private sector to strengthen our sports program in schools and barangays.”
The Mindanao Peace Games (MPG) organization is a group (founded by the athletics leaders from the three Jesuits universities of Mindanao) composed of coaches, athletes, and sports educators from private universities and colleges in Mindanao. They aim to promote peace on the second largest island of the Philippines through sports and education.∎ (By Stephen Pedroza)