By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
New Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Noli Eala vowed to continue the programs started by his predecessor, Butch Ramirez, that saw the Filipino athletes produce breakthrough wins, including winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal.
“I am a firm believer of continuity of programs particularly of those that have been gainful and progressive. We will build upon the foundations already laid out for us,” Eala said during the turnover of leadership ceremony held Monday, Sept. 5, at the PSC grounds in Vito Cruz, Manila.
“From the Batang Pinoy to the Philippine National Games, we will look for ways to improve and make more responsive these programs to ensure their sustainability in the long term.”
Among the immediate plans of Eala are to make full use of the provisions of Republic Act 6847 and other related laws, ensure that all national athletes are getting prepared for the 2023 competitions, continue grassroots programs that will be extensive in partnership with various agencies, provide for national athletes their benefits, select the best parts of Project Gintong Alay and make sure that it is modernized to the current situation, and ensure equality in support to regular and para-athletes.
Eala also thanked the previous PSC Board led by Ramirez for under their leadership, Philippine sports have made significant strides.
“His (Ramirez) hard work and commitment to duty is a glowing example of public service that all of us must never forget and must follow,” Eala said.
Eala also thanked President Bongbong Marcos for the trust and privilege to lead.
“My fearless desire to take on this gargantuan task stems from my belief in his leadership and his vision for the country,” he said.
Eala believes the capability of sports to unite the country and hopes that through his position as head of the government sports agency, he will be able to continue the great strides that Philippine sports has been making the past years.
“Sports is the great equalizer of society… sports unites people… undoubtedly, sports brings hope, inspiration and genuine joy to places where there is division and discord,” he said.
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