The Manila Sports Council (MASCO) looks to further improve its grassroots program following Manila City’s fifth-place finish in the Batang Pinoy in General Santos City recently.

MASCO chairman Dale Evangelista said they will expand the sports played in the city after participating in only 15 events in the prestigious grassroots tournament organized by the Philippine Sports Commission.

The Manila City bets emerged with 43 gold, 37 silver and 32 bronze medals to finish fifth behind Pasig City, who defended its overall title with 95-72-87 gold-silver-bronze medal tally while Baguio City settled for second place with 91 gold, 72 silver and 74 bronze medals.

“For Batang Pinoy, we will start with other programs that we don’t have because we don’t have 12 programs. We only have 15 events so for the ones we don’t have, we will start with it,” Evangelista said.

“The goal will always be on improvement; swimming, track and field, and combat sports. That’s what we really focus on but, of course, you can’t ignore team sports.”

Evangelista said they will be getting P1 million from the local government following their strong finish.

He added that the prize money will help them revamp their facilities and recruit the best coaches who will bring out the best in Manila athletes.

After all, the training venue is no longer a problem as Manila athletes have the privilege of using the facilities at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, which is considered the main training hub of national team members.

“For us, just like Yorme (Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso) said, take care of our athletes and they will deliver. We had to get the funds we needed to help our athletes,” said Evangelista, who used to play water polo for the national team.