Danny wants Deped to explain on Davraa football controversy

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
DAVAO City councilor Danilo Dayanghirang on Tuesday said he will invite officials from the Department of Education at the Sangguniang Panglugsod (SP) for them to explain on the controversy arising from selection of Davao Region football teams to the coming Palarong Pambansa.
Dayanghirang, in his privilege speech during yesterday’s regular SP session, said he received complaints from some parents that the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) elementary and football teams were allegedly dropped by Deped 11 office for the Palaro campaign.
ADDU had represented Davao City in the recent Davraa Meet in Mati City and won the gold medals both in the boys’ elementary and secondary divisions, but were allegedly dropped in favor of the second runner-ups due to a misunderstanding over Deped policies on the selection process.
“We will invite the DepEd sports division to appear here to explain briefly what has transpired and what are their recommendations relative on this matter,” Dayanghirang said in his speech.
The second district councilor said he received complaints from the parents of the players that DepEd opted to get players from other schools from other division to represent Davao Region to the Palarong Pambansa scheduled on May 3 to 9 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
The Palaro is the country’s biggest sporting competition for elementary and secondary athletes being held every year.
But, Deped 11 has debunked reports it has dropped the Ateneo teams from the Palaro.
“That’s not correct,” Deped 11 spokesperson Jenelito S. Atillo said when asked if the reports were true.
“Davao City will still be the lead group to represent Davao Region,” he added.
Atillo, however, maintained that not all the members of the winning team will be able to play in the Palaro as it is the policy of the Davraa Board to get players from other divisions.
He said the issue has been resolved after the Deped and coaches of the winning teams have deliberated on the matter.
A total of 10 divisions are competing annually in the Davraa.