Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas and secretary-general Patrick Gregorio called on San Miguel Corporation president and COO Ramon S. Ang Wednesday at the SMC offices in Pasig City to receive the pledged cash donation of P20-M for POC projects.
Ang, however, with San Miguel sports director Alfrancis Chua, surprised the POC officials when they presented the check and instead of P20-M, turned over P50-M.
“I was pleasantly shocked and momentarily speechless”, said Vargas. “We really didn’t expect this. The P20-M was already generous, but the additional P30-M really highlights the commitment of San Miguel and Mr. Ang to Philippine sports. I am beyond grateful.”
For his part, the SMC head honcho said that they are willing to come in as “sports godfather.”
He told Vargas that SMC has always believed sports plays an important role in building a nation’s character.
Chua added that he recommended the additional amount because the San Miguel group supports the leadership of Vargas and Gregorio and that they back the forward-looking programs of the POC.
He mentioned in particular the efforts to work with NSAs to ramp up the development and training of their individual athletes.
Vargas immediately asked Gregorio to put together a group that would include communications director Ed Picson and newly-appointed POC GM Art Aro to identify which sports would be prioritized for financial help from donations to the Olympic Committee.
