IN his first day as the new chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, Jose Emmanuel “Noli” Eala yesterday pledged to ensure the “sustainability of the success of our programs for the long term.
“We will develop and promote sports in the grassroots as a tool towards 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 said in a statement.
“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,” he added.
Realizing the need for private sector support, Eala said “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, who was greeted by PSC Commissioner Bong Coo and PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. when he arrived at the PSC office inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex yesterday morning, held an initial dialog with key department heads.
“We discussed 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,” he said.
The former TV sportscaster and PBA commissioner said he is thrilled “to be given this honor and privilege to lead the PSC and our country’s sports agenda.
“I would like to thank the President for this opportunity to serve Philippine sports again,” he said.
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. The PSC will have a new face and new energy. The PSC, under my watch, will care for sports like no other,” he said.
