PSC appeals for support

MANILA, Philippines — A budget of P221 million has been approved by the government for the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) next year and it’s barely enough to cover operating costs, leaving a wide gap in funding for the rehabilitation of facilities.

PSC chairman Richard Bachmann laid out a budget of P3.7 billion for capital expenses but it was turned down. His plan is to refurbish, rebuild and add facilities at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, PhilSports and the Baguio training camp. A priority is the upgrade of living conditions in the athletes’ dorms.

“What I’ve committed since I took the PSC helm, I want to use my term to get things done – from strengthening our national grassroots sports development program together with our LGUs, building and improving sports facilities in our regions, channeling our student-talents to the UAAP, NCAA, PRISAA and other athletic associations, to implementing advanced sports science services and developing high-level coaches,” said Bachmann. “All of these, with the ultimate goal of changing the lives of our athletes.”

Bachmann said he has set aside a budget for the Paris Olympics so the expected expense will be covered by existing funds but it will also depend on how many athletes eventually qualify. Monthly allowances for national athletes come from the contributions of PAGCOR and PCSO. According to law, PAGCOR is mandated to donate five percent of its gross income and PCSO 30 percent of earnings from six sweepstakes to PSC every year. 

Bachmann said there are now 75 NSAs compared to less than 50 four years ago. He’s appealing to the House and Senate for more support. “Hopefully, we can hear from Congress and Senate very soon on additional funding for athletes, sports programs and facilities,” said Bachmann. “I communicate with Sen. Bong Go in the Senate and Rep. Mike Dy in Congress.” Both Go and Dy head the Committees of Sports in their legislative halls. Other stalwarts who are sports supporters include Senate president/former arnis world champion Juan Miguel Zubiri, SBP chairman Sen. Sonny Angara, former national basketball player Sen. Joel Villanueva, Sen. Francis Tolentino, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Sen. Bato de la Rosa, ABAP president/SBP vice chairman/deputy speaker Rep. Robbie Puno, Philippine Fencing Association president Rep. Richard Gomez, national polo player Rep. Mikee Romero, Rep. Eric Martinez, Rep. Claude Bautista, Rep. Paul Daza, former national tennis player Rep. Edwin Olivarez, PATAFA chairman Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Rep. Lray Villafuerte, former basketball player Rep. Jose Zubiri, polo player Rep. Tonypet Albano, former national basketball player Rep. Franz Pumaren and former national swimmer Rep. Eric Buhain.