Ramirez: Private sector holds key

Newly-appointed PSC commissioner William "Butch" Ramirez is looking forward to the big task ahead as he vowed to serve the government sports agency to the fullest of his abilities.

"If you are qualified for a certain job, just do your best and God will take care of the rest," said the 50-year-old native of Davao City during yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Holiday Inn Hotel.

In his first public function since receiving his appointment papers from Malacañang on Nov. 8, Ramirez expressed his gratitude to President Estrada for giving him the chance to serve the PSC while representing Mindanao.

A former seminarian who also served as PSC regional director for Regions XI and XII, Ramirez said on top of his priorities is to get the private sector more involved in nationwide sports development.

"These private firms also have a social obligation and I think all we need is the presentation of good programs for them to support. We also need a good working relationship with these private firms. Commissioner (Richie) Garcia’s Atleta program is a perfect example," said Ramirez.

"Lack of funds had always been a problem. So a good tie-up with the private sector will provide the answer. I think the private sector will never say no," added Ramirez, elder brother of former PBA player Jay Ramirez of Shell. His youngest son, Joshua, is also into basketball playing for Adamson in the UAAP.

Tapped to take over the post recently vacated by Monico Puentevella, Ramirez has spent most of his life as an educator and sports leader, having taught management while coaching the Ateneo de Davao basketball team.

"Sports has been good to me in the past and now I’m offering everything to help Philippine sports. I will be a 24-hour commissioner," said Ramirez, who now stays at Philsports. "This way I will be closer to the athletes."

Ramirez, who finished his MBA studies at the Ateneo de Davao in 1973, said he also intends to put up the first coaching council in the country to help Filipino coaches perform better in local, regional, national and international levels.

Ramirez is the second PSC commissioner from Mindanao, next only to Freddie Mendoza who served under first PSC chairman Cecilio Hechanova in the early ’90s.

"The beauty of this job is that somehow I can focus on Mindanao. Perhaps I’ll see some progress in that region in the very near future. But for now, be staying at Philsports. There I can jog with the athletes every morning," added Ramirez.