MANILA, Philippines - Boxing champion and now Congressman Manny Pacquiao has begun taking a short course that will prepare him for his congressional duties.

“The Pacman,” who won a congressional seat in Sarangani province, was welcomed by officials of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in Pasig City on Monday for a briefing.

“Kailangan ko matutunan lahat ng mga paraan para makadeliver ako ng husto, maserbisyuhan ko ng mabuti ang mga constituents ko, at maipakita ko sa kanila na yung pulitika ko ay napakaganda compared sa nakaraan,” he said.

Pacquiao said he wants to prove to Filipinos and his fellow lawmakers that he is qualified for the job.

“Hindi pa man tayo nakaupo eh nagsisikap na tayo. Nadiskubre ko ngayon na ang Sarangani ay isa sa mga mahirap na probinsya sa Pilipinas, at iyan ay aalisin natin diyan,” the boxer said.

Pacquiao had just arrived from the United States where he was awarded Fighter of the Decade by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

“Proud tayo na nakuha natin iyan, at hindi nila basta-basta binibigay daw ang award na iyan. Iilan lang ang taong nabigyan niyan, at tayo'y napakasuwerte, mga Pilipino, at nagkaroon tayo ng award na ganyan,” he told reporters upon his arrival at the airport.

Aside from helping his constituents, Pacquiao said he will also help Filipino athletes in achieving the goal of winning the country's first Olympic gold medal. With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News