MVP: Firms, NSAs can unite for sports

He came just in time for the meeting, in his business attire, carrying a Nokia cell phone on one hand, and on the other a book, the bestseller "A World Lit Only By Fire" by William Manchester.

"Welcome and thank you," he said shortly after taking his seat.

It was no ordinary meeting attended by members of The Philippine STAR sports section, and big boss Miguel G. Belmonte. On the other side of the long PLDT conference table, you see, was Manny V. Pangilinan.

The man they call MVP is CEO and managing director of First Pacific Company Limited, and chairman of Metro Pacific Corporation, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, and Smart Communications Inc.

He celebrates his 60th birthday today with the opening of the MVP Cup Asia vs Europe 2, a star-studded, world-class badminton tournament that will run for three straight days at the Araneta Coliseum.

The discussion was supposed to revolve around the tournament. For some time it did. But once the ball really got going, MVP couldn’t help but talk about his vision for Philippine sports, and how the private sector could help realize it.

"There’s got to be a long-term plan because we can’t produce champions overnight. We have to be patient and we have to plan. If you need the support of the private sector then go ahead, the private sector will support you," he said.

Without really specifying, MVP was referring to the different national sports associations that are supposed to take care of all the needs of the close to a thousand national athletes.

"The private sector could help and cooperate with these NSAs. That’s the best formula. Like what they’re doing in Indonesia where one company works with one relevant NSA," said MVP, with the country’s top badminton players, Kennevic and Kennie Asuncion, seated to his left.

"All the private sector is asking for is a development plan. Then we can be behind you (NSAs). Put up a rational plan, a logical plan or if there are targets.

Like in taekwondo, if it’s the Asian Games or the Olympics or whatever, it takes years.

"If you need coaches, you need venues, you need money, you need to send the athletes abroad or bring foreign players here, that’s workable," he continued.

"The first deterrent to private sector help is if there is no program. At least if there’s a program, you can always go back to the private sector and if the private sector does not help them somebody should criticize the private sector. ‘Hey what are you guys doing for sports?’"

The Ateneo de Manila cum laude who received his MBA degree in economics at Wharton in 1968 said "politics in sports" something the country should get rid of if it wants to enjoy success in the international arena.

"If there is one area of activity in this country that we can insulate from politics it’s sports. Then we can accomplish things," said MVP.

He said the private sector should work hand in hand with the government to achieve excellence in sports, and in the middle should stand the NSAs with a similar vision.

"In many ways you have to work with government. That’s the reality. And that’s the best way to change things.

Why are we afraid to open our doors when it comes to sports? Why are we so insecure? " he asked as everybody listened.

"It’s best to work with the NSAs because (if you don’t) it might appear that you’re developing your own. And I don’t want to hear that. The private sector wants to see the program. If there’s no program, then how much money do you need from us? And if you cannot tell us, then how can we prepare the budget?" he added.

He cited boxer Manny Pacquiao or billiards player Efren "Bata" Reyes as perfect examples of how an athlete can be developed into world contenders.

"Look at Pacquiao or Efren Reyes. We want more of these guys. Be it in badminton or taekwondo. It’s very simple. But because of politics and we all know that of course. Somebody told me it’s only the poor people who become good boxers. So what?"

He could have gone on and on if not probably for some other appointment or anything more urgent. But for an hour or close to one on this rainy afternoon, it sure was nice listening to the man they call MVP.