PSC thinking beyond sports

MANILA, Philippines — Five months into the deadly pandemic, the Philippine Sports Commission is carrying out its day-to-day operations with a meager budget and nothing much to spare.

The PSC under chairman William Ramirez has implemented belt-tightening measures, including a 50 percent “equity reduction” on the allowances of the national athletes and coaches.

But despite the financial difficulties, Ramirez yesterday said the athletes and coaches will continue to receive their allowances, and can expect to get their regular allowances once the situation improves or when PAGCOR resumes its monthly remittances of close to P100 million to the PSC.

Ramirez also told yesterday’s online version of the PSA Forum that no one will lose his or her job in the government sports agency under these very difficult times.

“Even before COVID, we have communicated with Malacañang that we will let go of some contractual employees,” said Ramirez, adding that it would have taken effect on Aug. 31.

But the global pandemic has made the PSC change its mind.

“We in the PSC board made a collective decision that it will not happen. We will not remove anyone from the PSC unless there is cause,” said Ramirez.

The 70-year-old educator from Davao City is concerned about the welfare of the 250 regular employees and more than 250 contractuals.

“Sa kahirapan ngayon, ano ang kakainin nila?” said Ramirez.

Ramirez said the government sports agency is thinking beyond sports, and talked about “fortitude and sacrifice” during the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Go For Gold, Milo, PAGCOR, Amelie Hotel and Braska Restaurant.