Sy elected PSSBC chair

MANILA, Philippines - Businessman-sportsman Dioceldo Sy has been elected chairman of the Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC), Inc., organizer of the country’s premier high school tournament which gets under way Nov. 16.

Sy, 55, has served as chair of the Philippine Basketball League during its glory days in the 90s. The PBL was the same league that helped nurture the careers of James Yap, Mark Pingris, Peter June Simon, Jason Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo and LA Tenorio. 

“My appointment as the new chairman really came as a surprise to me. But I am honored with the mandate given to me by my fellow shareholders of the PSSBC,” said Sy. “With their support and the cooperation of the UAAP, NCAA and the Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association, I am looking forward for another successful season.”

Sy, owner of Blackwater Sports in the PBA D-League and chairman of Ever Belina – one of the leading beauty products in the country – is one of the eight shareholders of PSSBC. 

“We do believe in the leadership of Mr. Dioceldo Sy, that’s why we put him at the helm. He’s so passionate when it comes to basketball, much more for our high school standouts,” said former PSSBC chair Dr. Cecilio Pedro of Hapee Toothpaste. “His energy and vision will serve as engine of growth of the league.”

Jimmy dela Cruz, owner of Jumbo Plastic Linoleum and also a shareholder of the association, said Sy is a dynamic and tested leader “so I am certain the league will continue to grow under his watch.”

Jimi Lim, owner of Ironcorn Builders and former president of the Fil-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA), was elected vice president.

“We will have a rotation among shareholders, democracy is at work in our group,” said Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que. 

Other shareholders are Eduard Tio of Wrangler, Rudy Yu of Dickies Underwear and Leoncio Chua of MEC Computers.