Iggy brings color, insight to the PSC

MANILA, Philippines - Champion golfer Iggy Clavecilla , the man whose sartorial taste and sometimes curious color combine are as much of a clubhouse talk as his competitive form, said he hopes to make a difference once he reports for work as the newest member of the board in the Philippine Sports Commission.

“I hope I can help and make a difference,” Clavecilla texted The STAR yesterday afternoon after PSC chairman Richie Garcia announced his designation as PSC commissioner.

Clavecilla, a five-time national amateur seniors champion, will take over the post vacated by former basketball star Chito Loyzaga who resigned from the PSC last April 30.

President Aquino signed Clavecilla’s appointment as PSC commissioner last June 13.

Garcia said Clavecilla, perhaps the most recognizable golfer out on the course because of his colorful attires, will be formally introduced to the PSC family either today or tomorrow.

He joins the three other commissioners, Buddy Andrada, Jolly Gomez and Akiko Thomson, as well as Garcia in the PSC board.

Clavecilla, 66, is a vital cog in the Luisita golf team, a perennial champion in the Philippine Airlines Interclub golf championships. He is a former coach of the Phl golf team.

Clavecilla is a teammate of the PSC chairman at Luisita, and is or was a golfing buddy of Philippine Olympic Committee president Peping Cojuangco.

“I think he can be an asset to the commission,” the PSC chairman told The STAR.

“He’s also an athlete, and a coach. He’s not new to sports. He has lots of experience,” said Garcia.

Because he’s an athlete himself, Clavecilla should understand the needs of an athlete.

“It took time for the President to make the appointment perhaps because there were many candidates to choose from. The President made a good choice,” Garcia said.