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This writer was fortunate to have been part of a panel discussion on sports involving its highest authorities. The occasion was Sen. Loren Legarda’s radio program "Kabalikat" aired over DZMM. Guests included Philippine Olympic Committee president Celso Dayrit, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Eric Buhain, and some national coaches headed for the Southeast Asian Games.

Off the bat, the logistical nightmare that plagued local sports emerged. Buhain himself is postponing his trip to Vietnam, pending the release of P 111 million in funds from Malacañang. Buhain says he coordinated with the Department of Budget and Management three weeks ago, and the request for the funds reached President Arroyo’s desk only late Friday. How tight can that get? "I won’t leave until the funds have been released," Buhain declares.

Of course, many external factors could not be discounted. The SARS epidemic drastically cut down travel to international competition. The downturn in the economy and political upheavals all but decimated sponsorships, private and government.

Lenlen Escollante, coach of the Philippine canoe-kayak team, revealed that the boat she requested for eight months ago has yet to arrive. Since the boat is coming from Poland, it is unlikely to get here in time. Our athletes will have to rent boats they will use.

When asked how their formerly icy relationship was, Buhain and Dayrit gave differing answers. Buhain said they had had differences of opinion, but now had a "good" relationship. A sombre Dayrit said that it still needed improvement.

One sore spot was the distribution of some P250 million from PSC funds. Dayrit questioned the PSC’s spreading the money to programs that are not directly involved in training the national athletes.

"When the PSC started in 1990, the exchange rate with the dollar was 20 or 25 to one," Dayrit began. "Now, not only is the pie smaller, but a smaller portion goes to our national athletes."

Both officials predict 40 to 50 golds for the Philippines in Vietnam. But they correctly pointed out that if that total is equivalent to fifth or sixth place, it won’t be enough to placate a public starving for heroes, or the leadership of the government’s executive or legislative branches. Both the POC and PSC will be answerable to both groups.

When the option of a proposal in Congress to put up a Department of Sports was brought up, the discussion turned to what the substance of the government’s program is, not its form.

The bottom line is how badly we want to create champions and inspire our countrymen. What would be more effective, spreading the money thinly over a grassroots program that will likely change with every administration, or pouring our limited resources into athletes who will ignite our people’s passion?

What do you think?

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