Low budget to force NSAs to tap donors

Unless they’re willing to do more with less, the various national sports associations will, sooner or later, have to look for their own source of funds in order to keep their athletes fit, able, willing and ready for local and international competitions.

This was the tone raised by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Eric Buhain to the NSAs the other day following a recent budget cut which, he said, might seriously affect the welfare of the close to 800 national athletes.

With uncertain economic conditions not only in the country but the entire region as well, the PSC stands to receive no more than P95 million from Congress this year for its costly grassroots development programs and infrastructure projects.

The budget cut, almost P10 million short of last year’s, will force the PSC to take a portion out of the National Sports Development Fund normally reserved for the basic needs of the national athletes, their coaches and the NSAs they represent.

"That’s why they will soon be obligated to look for their own funds," said Buhain.

The PSC chief urged the close to 40 NSAs not to rely heavily on the NSDF, a monthly sustenance of close to P30 million from different government agencies like Pagcor and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

"We must encourage volunteerism among the NSAs para hindi sila masyadong affected. We must introduce the concept of volunteerism," added Buhain who, with the help of top government officials, has continuously sought the help of the private sector.

Among the biggest supporters of Philippine sports these days are Samsung, which played a major role in RP’s Busan Asian Games campaign last year, Milo, Adidas, Centrum, and oil companies like Petron and Caltex.

Other private firms or corporations lending a hand to Philippine sports are WG&A Super Ferry, Air Philippines, Brunswick, Peak Sports and Philtranco.

As it is, only a handful NSAs like taekwondo, wushu, boxing and athletics have succeeded in drawing the support of the private sector. The PSC chairman said he wants to see more of these in the very near future.

"Kami naman sa PSC, umiiwas muna sa mga infrastructure projects unless it’s for the safety requirements and immediate needs of the athletes. Last year, I think wala kaming infrastructure project that required so much money," he said.