PSC Chairman Ramirez Says, PSI a key element in sports development

CEBU - Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez firmly believes that the Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) is the right prescription in aiding the problems of RP’s sports development programs.

Ramirez stressed this out during the well-attended Philippine Sports Stakeholders Conference the other day at the PhilSports Complex here.

“The different problems in our sports programs finally will be lessened and be improved with the establishment of the Philippine Sports Institute. I believe that the PSI is the right prescription in aiding the problems of our sports programs,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez, who will serve as PSI vice president, opted to resign as PSC chief this year, but his resignation was put on hold since the body would like him to remain at his post.

But this time, Ramirez said he will focus on the academe and will appoint PSC Commissioner Fr. Vicente “Vic” L. Uy, SVC as Officer-In-Charge of the country’s highest sports governing body.

“It’s time to give this seat to somebody else. But since I still remain as chairman and bag-o pa sad na-establish ang Philippine Sports Institute, I guess after the first quarter of the operation of PSI, that’s the time that I will focus on the academe. But I’m not turning my back to PSC, I will still have my full support to whoever will serve the office,” said Ramirez.

PSI will formally open this summer with national and international instructors from the different linkages.

It offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees catering to elite athletes, professional coaches, Department of Education and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) personnel, and other agencies which have connections and interest to sports programs.

PSI has four established institutions in different key areas of the country namely Foundation University (FU) in Dumaguete for Visayas, Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City for Mindanao, St. Louis University in Baguio for Luzozn, and PSI in Pasig City.

The Manuel V. Pangilinan School Library was also opened the other day at the PSI building. The library was donated by Pangilinan to have wider coverage on sports research.

Ramirez emphasized that this program needs continuity, that is why he is hoping that whoever takes his place will continue to support the PSI.

“I am hoping that whoever will take my post in the office will still be active in supporting PSI because the establishment of this sports institution is for the benefit of our sports program,” appealed Ramirez. - THE FREEMAN