Tuason, former PSC chief, passes away

Former Philippine Sports Commission chair Carlos “Butch” Tuason passed away in San Francisco, California Friday (Saturday in Manila) after a lingering illness.

First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, the late sports official’s cousin, in a text message, said Tuason’s remains had been cremated.

Tuason, head of the Philippine National Shooting Association before his appointment as PSC chair, served the government sports agency from 1998 to 2001 under President Joseph Estrada.

Under his watch, the Philippines placed fifth in both the 1999 Brunei and 2001 Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian Games. In 1998, Filipino athletes went home with one gold, five silver and 12 bronze medals from the Bangkok Asian Games.

Tuason was the fifth to serve as PSC chairman after Cecilio Hechanova (1990-92), Perry Mequi (1992-93), Mel Lopez (1993-96) and Philip Ella Juico 1996-98). In 2001, he was succeeded by swimming legend Eric Buhain.

Tuason’s policy echoed the mission-vision of the commission — that all Filipinos should live active, healthy, and productive lives through physical fitness and participation in sports towards the attainment of national unity, progress and recognition for the country as well as the promotion of world peace and brotherhood among nations.

He implemented Administrative Order 352 approving and directing the Implementation of the Gratuity and Monthly Incentives Allowance Plan (GMIAP) for all living bemedalled athletes who participated in the Olympics, Asian Games and world championships.

Under his administration, Tuason also launched the Philippine National Youth Games-Batang Pinoy Program (PNYG-BP), the government’s centerpiece sports program for children 12 years and under. He also conceptualized the ATLETA Program to monitor and ensure PSC funding for NSAs.

He initiated three annual summer camps in Cebu City, Philsports Arena, and Laoag City, aimed at developing potential athletes and helping them attain their best athletic performances through specialized training, lectures and team-building activities.

Also during his term, special advocacy was given to Mindanao through the holding of the first Mindanao Sports Summit, which redirected Mindanao sports leaders’ paths towards a unified program. while providing equitable opportunities for every sports organization and people. The summit formulated a Sports Covenant which included the creation of the first Mindanao Sports Council and launching of the first Mindanao Friendship Games.

Also launched by his administration was the Philippine Sports Talent Identification Program (PSTIP), a systematic and scientific procedure on a nationwide search for young Filipino boys and girls with the physical, motor and genetic qualifications to be selected for training and future participation in local and international sports. It is currently conducted by the PCSM.