TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Bernard Bernardino, an EsP teacher at New Tanglag National High School, assumed his coaching role for the school’s Futsal Team in 2018. What began as a simple responsibility evolved into a story of resilience, unity, and dreams coming true.
Throughout Bernardino’s time coaching and training his players, he noticed a deficiency of resources, including appropriate footwear, which is the most crucial piece of gear a player should own.
Despite their tenacity and passion for the sport, a lot of them lacked the appropriate footwear, a necessity that improves their performance, guards against injuries, and is one of the many essentials to succeeding on the court.
He recalled, “malagip ko dagijay 9 nga players ko dati, ken dadduma kadagitoy agdama nga players ko, ket nu apan kami maki-tournament ket awan piman ti nasayaat nga sapatos da. Adda ti napigis ken napunno ti rugby. Isu nga agbibinulod da ti sapatos ken nu dadduma pay ket dagidiay other players ti sabali nga schools ti agpabulod tapnu lang adda usaren ti players ku.”
Moved by their plight and the profound commitment of the athletes to playing, the coach set out on a mission to close this gap, initiating the Bote Mo, Sapatos Ko program, in May 2023. “Kunak ken dagitoy 17 players ko nga, apan tayu agbote tapno adda ti paggatang tayu ti sapatos yu,” he said.
The team then rallied the support of the NTNHS community and neighboring barangays including barangays Calanan, Gobgob, and Tuga. They went from house to house collecting donations, ranging from bottles to egg trays, in order to raise money for futsal shoes.
Because of their meticulous efforts and unwavering determination, they were able to raise approximately PhP12,000 in January 2024. With this amount, the team was able to purchase 17 pairs of futsal shoes, enabling each member to have a pair. Moreover, they have added ten (10) more recruits for this academic year.
The NTNHS Futsal Team now has better footwear, which is more than simply a pair of shoes, it is a representation of resilience, teamwork, and the conviction that obstacles can be overcome and turned into triumphs – with the appropriate assistance.
“Nu award nga first place ket awan pay ngem nu award of dedication sa larong futsal, ang masasabi ko lang, para sa akin, sila ang champion dahil nakita ko through-out their journey na naging parte na ng buhay nila ang futsal,” Bernardino said.
The team is getting ready for the City Meet scheduled for February 29, 2024
The NTNHS Futsal Team welcomes any donations of bottles and egg trays to help with their continuous efforts to supply equipment for their team. If you’re interested in donating, please feel free to reach out to Coach Bernard Bernardino via his Facebook Account. By Rio Bassong
