PRISAA goes to Zamboanga for April meet

MANILA, Philippines - The 2011 Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Collegiate Games, originally scheduled Feb. 20-26 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, is now slated April 10-16 in Zamboanga City.

The 17-man PRISAA board, chaired by Dr. Emmanuel Angeles, unanimously approved the change in schedule and venue after Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat offered to host the multi-event sportsfest.

“All member-schools have expressed their readiness for the event. They are all grateful to Mayor Lobregat for hosting the meet,” said Angeles.

Giving a big boost to this year’s PRISAA championships is the commitment of giant network GMA 7 to be its exclusive media partner.

Since its revival in 1992, the PRISAA has sustained and successfully carried out its sports development program from the grassroots to the national level, producing topnotch athletes that have brought pride and distinction to the country.

Among the products of PRISAA are former track stars Lydia de Vega and Elma Muros and well-known cagers Jerry Codiñera, Marlou Aquino and Joseph Feihl.

These athletes had, at one time or another, carried the Philippine colors with distinction in the Southeast Asian Games and the Asian Games.

Contrary to reports being circulated by a former sports official, the PRISAA has been very stable.

“It is managed by a board of 17 members who are presidents of private colleges and universities in their respective regions,” explained Angeles. “The board elected me as their chairman for reviving this organization upon the encouragement and support of then PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) chairman Cecil Hechanova.”

Angeles added that the election of officers is done by PRISAA member-schools, and the duly elected regional president automatically becomes a member of the national board.

“Each board is accountable to the funds which they collect from their member-schools and are subject to audit. The conduct of their activities is very transparent and audited by an independent certified public accountant,” said Angeles.