By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Even for just a short period of time, Noli Eala thanked President Bongbong Marcos for giving him an opportunity to serve the Filipino athletes as chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
In a statement Wednesday, Dec. 28, Eala confirmed that he will be leaving the PSC after only four months into his job following the appointment of Richard “Dickie” Bachmann as the new chairman.
“With all humility, I can say that I gave dignity and respect to the position of Chairman and worked tirelessly for Philippine sports,” the statement read.
“I wish to thank President Bongbong Marcos for affording me the chance to help Philippine Sports rise to greater heights. I serve under the pleasure of the president and I fully respect his decision.”
Eala, who was appointed on Aug. 30, also extended his gratitude to all sports leaders for giving him the unwavering support and also wished the new chairman all the best.
“As I leave, I am at peace knowing that in the months I served, I cared for all our athletes and Philippine Sports like no other,” the statement read.
Under Eala’s watch, Filipino athletes achieved heights that saw Hidilyn Diaz clinch the 2022 IWF World Weightlifting Championship gold medals in Colombia, Carlo Paalam’s golden romp at the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Jordan, Carlos Yulo’s silver and bronze-medal victories in the 51st FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, and world championships titles for jiu jitsu athletes Meggie Ochoa and Kimberly Anne Custodio, among others.
The PSC was also able to host again the Batang Pinoy National Championships in Ilocos Sur after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Bachmann’s appointment papers reached the PSC office on Wednesday, along with the tapping of new commissioners in Walter Torres and Edward Hayco.
