A boon to Cebu sports Cebuano sportsmen hail Fernandez appointment as PSC commish

CEBU, Philippines - Already flooded with congratulatory messages from fans and well-meaning friends in various social media platforms, some of top Cebuano sportsmen have joined the chorus in lauding the appointment of Ramon "El Presidente" Fernandez as commissioner of Philippine Sports Commission, even as they also promised to give their all-out support to revered basketball legend in all his plans and programs for the good of Phl sports.

"Commissioner Fernandez is an iconic figure in Philippine sports who can inspire our coaches and athletes to excel. He has a strategic mindset, which will be very useful to chairman Butch (Ramirez). They will be a great and extraordinary team," said Cebu City Sports Commission chairman Edward Hayco.

Hayco said they look forward to working with PSC at 'close range' most especially that the objectives laid out by Fernandez bode well with the city's grassroots sports development program.

For his part, Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) commissioner Felix 'Boy' O. Tiukinhoy, Jr. said Fernandez's presence in the country's highest sports governing body is a great advantage to aspiring athletes in the countryside.

"The appointment of Mon Fernandez as one of the PSC commissioners is a big boost to the athletes of Visayas and even in Mindanao, especially so as he will be holding office here in Cebu. It will give opportunities for athletes in this region to be recognized and be part of a national team especially in athletics, swimming, football, volleyball and of course, basketball. It's also a good thing that the training of such atheletes will now be done in Cebu," said Tiukinhoy.

Being a former Philippine team member, Tiukinhoy firmly believes that Fernandez could be of big help in addressing the plight of national athletes as well as in uplifting the current state of Phl sports that is seemingly in downward spiral in terms of the country's performance in major international competitions.

Tiukinhoy's sentiment is echoed by highly-esteemed sportsman Baldomero "Merong" C. Estenzo.

"Congratulations to El Presidente for the well-deserved appointment. I look forward to bigger and more meaningful strides in sports as he knows what ails Philippine sports," said Estenzo.

"It's time that there's someone who will look at the needs of Cebu sports from the higher-ups. Mon is very qualified and very competent (for the job)," added the topnotch lawyer who is also the current team manager of the University of Cebu basketball varsity.

Cebu Sports Hall of Famer Antonio 'Bidoy' L. Aldeguer, known as the godfather of Cebu boxing, also extends his best wishes to Fernandez as he endeavors to change the landscape of the country's sports affairs for the better.

"I like his appointment. Mr. Fernandez is deserving of such position," said Aldeguer. "If he feels that I could be of help to him, I am willing to extend my support in whatever humble way I could."

Under the "Change the Game' slogan that is aimed at changing and redirecting the strategic goals and directions of Phl sports, Fernandez has laid out a comprehensive portfolio that is consistent with the principles of community empowerment, decentralization and will envision a drug-free community for the youth and children.

Once he formally assumes office, Fernandez said among his  top priorities is the establishment regional training centers for all athletes across the archipelago, increase opportunities for athletic scholarships through private sector support as pathways for poor but deserving athletes, provide sports grants for athletes with disabilities and develop a Seniors Fitness Environment.

Fernandez will also push for the increase of athletes' allowance and review existing athlete reward system, establish a coaching and trainers academy, and create a special program support to elite athletes on various fronts, including coaching and training, sports science, sports medicine and monetary grants.  (FREEMAN)