PSC lauds support of private sector

MANILA, Philippines - The generosity of private individuals and corporations have eased a lot of pressure on the government in funding and supporting the country’s sports programs.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia said if not for the support of the private sector, the PSC would not have enough for the close to a thousand national athletes.

“Because of them, there were less pressure to get more funds,” said Garcia.

Garcia cited Smart and PLDT big boss Manny V. Pangilinan as the country’s biggest sports patron with more than a handful sports enjoying his full support.

Aside from basketball and boxing, Pangilinan, better known as MVP, also has his fingerprints on sports like badminton, tennis, football, taekwondo, running and golf.

The man at the helm of other giant corporations like Maynilad, Meralco and TV5 is also behind collegiate teams like the Ateneo Blue Eagles and San Beda Red Lions.

But Pangilinan’s involvement in basketball, particularly Gilas Pilipinas, and amateur boxing is unmatched.

Garcia said the support of these private individuals make it easier for the PSC, the government funding arm in sports, to prepare for the Incheon Asian Games in September.

Gilas Pilipinas is also neck-deep in its preparations for the FIBA World Cup in Spain in August or a year after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas successfully hosted the FIBA Asia men’s tournament.

Basketball and boxing require perhaps the biggest funding and with MVP shouldering the expenses, the PSC can find other sports to spend its money on.

The PSC has allotted P30 million for the actual participation of the close to 200 Filipino athletes to the coming Asian Games.

“Without them, I am sure we will be having a hard time raising money and sending these athletes to the Asian Games. We’re thankful for whatever support they have given us,” said the PSC chief.

Pangilinan also moved heaven and earth to have NBA veteran Andray Blatche be part of the Gilas team, and with the help of the Senate, it has become a reality.

“We really have to give credit to his generosity. Kung wala sya (Pangilinan), paano natin makukuha ang naturalized player at mga PBA players na yan,” said Garcia. 

“And this is because of the private sector which has been very supportive to our programs,” he added.