PSC vows to 'care for sports like no other' under Noli Eala

Noli Eala quickly got serious on his first day as the new PSC chairman. PSC

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Noli Eala finally went to work on Thursday as the new Philippine Sports Commission chairman.

According to the renowned sports commentator, upon arriving at the PSC office inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, he quickly met with Executive Director Guillermo Iroy and Commissioner Bong Coo regarding some matters that need to be addressed as soon as possible.

"Today, I reported for work and had an initial meeting with officers of the agency discussing matters from basic housekeeping to urgent pending matters needing immediate attention and action. We target to have all these clarified and studied in preparation for the formal convening of the board," Eala said. "It was a productive first day at the office. There are many things to be done, but I am hopeful and eager to start working."

He also assured that the gains the PSC had during the term of Former Chairman Butch Ramirez, highlighted by the Philippine team's biggest Olympic medal haul ever last year, will continue on under his administration.

"My new administration will seek to ensure the sustainability of the success of our programs for the long term. I will carry out the mandates of the PSC to develop and promote sports at the grassroots as a tool toward nation-building and unity, and ensure full and enhanced support for our national athletes in their continued quest to bring honor and glory to our country," Eala further said.

He also vowed that the current sports superstars like Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and world number three pole vaulter EJ Obiena will continue to get sustained funding to continue their strife, even considering reaching out to the private sector.

"We will continue with programs that will further strengthen our sports initiatives. We will create pathways for all to get involved in sports while ensuring that elite athletes are provided with all they need to be successful. We will reach out to the private sector, similar to the golden years of the Gintong Alay program, to harness their support for all stakeholders of sports," Eala continued.

He concluded, "The PSC will have a new face and new energy. The PSC, under my watch, will care for sports like no other."

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