Angping named eighth PSC chair

Harry Angping, who’s deep into sports, business and politics, yesterday officially became the eighth chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission.

“It’s a very good sign that my appointment as the eighth PSC chairman came on Chinese New Year. It’s a very good sign of prosperity for RP sports,” he said.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said President Arroyo appointed the former congressman yesterday, replacing William Ramirez.

“The Palace hopes that new PSC chair will serve as a worthy successor to Ramirez, who gave outstanding service to the commission,” Fajardo said.

“The new leadership is expected to further improve the lives of Filipino athletes, foster a nurturing environment, instill integrity, strengthen athletics education and sportsmanship in the country,” she said.

Angping, who served as a congressman in Manila (1998 to 2004), is a former president of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines and former board member of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Now he is the country’s Special Envoy to China. His wife, Maria Zenaida Angping, a former Miss Caltex, is now a congresswoman, and together they’re into mining, real estate and the cement business.

His involvement with sports, he said, will make it easier for him to manage the PSC.

“I guess I have to skip the honeymoon period because I’m not new in sports. I’ve been an NSA president and with the POC,” said Angping as he came out of a Chinese New Year’s parade in Binondo.

“But first I have to thank the President for her trust and confidence. I can’t afford to disappoint her. I will not disappoint her,” added the man who took up management at La Salle and business economics at the University of Asia and the Pacific.

Angping takes over from Ramirez who served as chairman since 2004, and also follows the footsteps Cecil Hechanova, Aparicio Mequi, Gemiliano Lopez, Philip Juico, Butch Tuason (who passed away last year) and Eric Buhain.

Angping said as a businessman and former congressman, helping raise the needed funds from the private sector and the House of Congress shouldn’t be a problem.

He is also counting on his closeness with Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. chairman Efraim Genuino. Pagcor contributes close to P20 million from its monthly revenue to the PSC.

“If other (PSC) administrations had problems with Pagcor, I don’t see that problem. Chairman Genuino is my fellow Rotarian. I also think my friends in Congress will be generous enough to help,” he said.

And from the business sector, he is counting on San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang, and Tessie Sy of Banco de Oro, who’s the daughter of mall tycoon Henry Sy of SM.

“Maybe I can organize the business sector, including the Filipino-Chinese community, in helping Philippine sports,” said Angping, adding that Feb. 2, a Monday, should be his first day at the PSC office.

As he sought a third term as congressman, Angping faced problems with his citizenship and was forced to withdraw. His appointment as PSC chairman, however, should not be tainted with these.

“I just hope all his papers are okay,” said a fellow official.

Angping, who arrived yesterday from a short official visit to Saudi Arabia, said he will focus on the athletes and their needs.

“As much as possible we must give them their share but in exchange I will demand discipline. If there are problems with their allowances I think I can address that. But I will demand commitment and discipline from them.”

“I have to prove myself and this year’s Southeast Asian Games in Laos will be my first test. Then after 2010 (when the President’s term ends) we’ll see what happens.   – With report from Paolo Romero