Buhain focuses on grassroots

Barely a month after assuming the chairmanship of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Eric Buhain has laid down the groundwork for a more comprehensive and wider grassroots development program.

In his first formal meeting with the sports media since replacing Carlos "Butch" Tuason as PSC chief, Buhain said the program will start with the Philippine National Youth Games or the Batang Pinoy this year and the revival of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Games.

Buhain, a champion swimmer until the early ‘90s, said the CHED Games, a multi-sports event reserved for college athletes, is scheduled to be held in Cebu City from April 21 to 27.

"I’ve talked with CHED and it has sent authorization allowing the PRISAA (Private Schools Athletic Association) to organize the CHED Games," said Buhain , who also mentioned the idea of organizing a unified National Championships similar to the now-defunct Philippine National Games (PNG).

The 32-year-old Buhain also said the PSC has sent a letter to President Arroyo recommending Naga City as host of this year’s Palarong Pambansa set to start May 12. The Palaro is reserved for elementary and high school students.

Education Secretary Raul Roco and Bureau of Physical Education and School Sports (BPESS) director Rolando Brillantes have also made the same recommendation to the President, contrary to what PSC commissioner Cynthia Carrion said recently that the President has decided to hold the Palaro in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

Carrion was criticized by the House Sports and Youth Development Committee headed by Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella for pre-empting the announcement regarding the Palaro venue since it was learned that the President has yet to decide on the issue.

"I think commissioner Carrion is excitable. Like in the case of the Palaro venue, she announced it. Dapat hindi siya nag-announce. I think it’s a lesson she has realized," said Buhain.

Twenty-five members of Congress recently filed a petition asking the President to sack Carrion for usurping the functions of the chairman, overstepping her bounds as a commissioner and hiring a female executive assistant who reportedly has close to P500,000 in unliquidated cash advances with the PSC.

"She (Carrion) should not insult the integrity of Congress. Does she think that these congressmen and congresswomen will just sign the petition because I told them so? That’s very insulting. Before signing a petition, these members of Congress first analyze and scrutinize the supporting papers. Commissioner Carrion should do her homework and not just open her mouth all the time," said Puentevella.