Bernard Ricablanca Athletics Guru

CEBU, Philippines - He is the man behind the successful athletic program of the University of Cebu (UC). His job entails a lot of time, effort and dedication. Yet, it did not prevent him from accepting a higher calling, just to be of service to the Cebuano sports community.

A few days after the break of the new year, UC athletic director Bernard Ricablanca was named as commissioner of the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC). Without question, it's a great addition to his shining credential but at the same an added challenge for him.

Although he's associated with UC, Ricablanca also helps aspiring athletes from the province and transform them into a fighting force in their respective fields. At times, he facilitates athletes to compete in international competition. Kind-hearted enough, he never refuses to lend a hand and accommodate those who need his assistance.

These are perhaps the admirable traits that made Ricablanca one of the pillars of CCSC.

"As sports commissioner, I want to supervise the training program in different barangays so we can produce more athletes for the city," he said.

Ricablanca said he will handpick trainers, coaches and top athletes, including from UC, to conduct free trainings in different barangays and scout for talents who are skillful enough to represent Team Cebu City in future competitions.

Ricablanca assured though that he has no vested interest in doing volunteer works as he is performing it in the spirit of service.

“UC provides athletic scholarship to potential and deserving athletes, but I will not use, in any way, my position [CCSC commissioner] to pirate talents or give them free training in exchange of going to our school. We will let them decide and choose where they want to go,” Ricablanca said.— (FREEMAN)