JOSE EMMANUEL “NOLI” EALA underscored his top priority being the new chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in alphabetical order—A for athletes.
“My wish is to give all the athletes their benefits,” Eala told reporters after a formal turnover ceremony graced by his predecessor, William “Butch” Ramirez, on Monday morning at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. “That’s something important, we need to make sure that they understand that they will be provided with what they need to be successful.”
The Palace announced Eala’s appointment last Tuesday and had the first feel of the PSC Offices on Thursday. On Friday, he started meeting with the sports agency’s top officials and on Monday, he’s officially got the ball rolling.
The 11th chairman of the agency that was established by law in 1990 outlined his order of battle:
- Give national athletes their benefits, to care for the athletes and to make sure that they will be provided with everything that they need so they can be successful
- Complete the PSC Board (Malacañang has yet to appoint three commissioners),
- Ensure that the PSC completes its mandate,
- Ensure that all national athletes are getting prepared for 2023 competitions,
- Continue grassroots programs that will be extensive in partnership with various agencies,
- 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 athletes and para athletes.
Joining Ramirez in the turnover ceremony for Eala after the Monday morning flag-raising ceremony were Olivia “Bong” Coo, the only PSC commissioner appointed so far, and Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy.
The 59-year-old former Philippine Basketball Association commissioner lauded Ramirez for coming over to show his support, adding the former chairman’s “dedication to his job will always be embedded in sports history.”
“It’s very refreshing,” said Eala, the PSC’s 11th chairman, on meeting Ramirez. “He’s someone I always believed in to display the leadership of a true public servant. Quiet yet firm and dedicated.”
Ramirez said Eala needs the PSC’s all-out support.
“Four years of working, two years disturbed by the pandemic. It was a meaningful journey. Chairman Noli Eala, needs our help, our support,” Ramirez said. “For if he succeeds, the PSC will succeed and Philippine sports will succeed.”
Coo thanked Ramirez and welcomed Eala.
“We would like to thank chairman [Butch] Ramirez for his successful leadership and we wish him all the best,” Coo said. “To Chairman Noli Eala, we welcome you on behalf of the PSC workforce, we’re here to support all your endeavors. We’re here to be of service to all the athletes and also to Philippine sports.”
Image credits: Nonie Reyes