THE PODIUM. An elevated platform used by an orchestra conductor,

a public speaker or a leader. A platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to

the person on it like the platform of three different levels used during awarding ceremonies for

athletes winning first, second and third places.

All of these definitions connect to the work we wish to accomplish as a Public Communications

Office and as the sports agency of the government. To reach out to the public and let them know

about the work and mandate of the Philippine Sports Commission (public speaker), to provide

directions on sports development (leader) and to honor the achievements of Filipino athletes.

We at the PSC’s “Podium” commit to doing our very best to write about inspiring stories in sports

that would continue to fan the embers of sports interest in our consciousness into a raging

fire of sports dedication we hope to light up in your hearts.

The Philippine Olympic dream burns even brighter in the face of a global adversity, after all, it is in the Far East

where the birds of prey rise.

This issue’s cover story brings to light the shared journey between the Filipino Tokyo 2021 Olympics qualifiers

and hopefuls and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) towards the country’s elusive gold medal amidst

the ongoing COVID-19. It tracks the support of the Philippine Sports Commission to these promising national

athletes especially Tokyo berth holders Pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, Gymnast Carlos Yulo, and boxers

Eurmir Marcial and Irish Magno, along with 2016 Rio Olympics Weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, and

2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Champion Nesthy Petecio.

It chronicles the sports agency’s funding and assistance for Tokyo bets and those seeking for slots despite the

national budget cuts, training restrictions, postponement of competitions, and the presence of a global health

threat.

As days get ticked off the calendar before the Games, this unbreakable commitment and hope for our sportsmen

and women vows to shine now more than ever.

1 20% discount for athletes, coaches now a reality

Wais Magpapawis: A PSC-DOH Collaboration

Keeping the lines openFernandez stands tall as OIC

2

5

3

9

4

1115

1617

1921

C O N T E N T D I S C L A I M E RDates, events, announcements, opinions, views, and stories inside the magazine were written for the second

quarter period from April to June 2020. Developments in the said stories are not covered in this issue.

THE PODIUM is the official quarterly publication of the Philippine Sports Commission with editorial officeat RMSC Pablo Ocampo Sr. St. Malate, Manila Philippines. 1004.

The editors welcome sports stories from contributors from all over the country.Please send your articles with your name, address and contact number to pco@psc.gov.ph

E D I T O R I A L B O A R D

CHAIRMANWilliam I. Ramirez

A D V I S O R Y B O A R D

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORMerlita R. Ibay

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFMarc Edward VelascoMANAGING EDITOR

Emmalyn BambaWRITERS

Arianne MallareChariza De Vera

Jeremielle ValerianoJoash David Ricanor

CREATIVE DIRECTORRenss RealogioSUPPORT STAFF

Helen Rose Dato • Benzon GreganaHilario Salutim • Raoul Claro Recto

COMMISSIONERSArnold A. Agustin

Ramon S. FernandezCelia H. Kiram

Charles Raymond A. Maxey

ABOUT THE COVER

ABOUT THE PODIUM

Service, now more than ever

Bolstering the Bid: NAS Act Gets Signed Amid the PandemicFueling the Filipino Olympic Dream

SPORTS IN FOCUS: Make your move at home with Chess

SPORTS ICON: The Philippine Triumvirate of 1932

COVID OR NOT, WE SERVE!PSC keeps its commitment to serve the national team

THE HEART OF A CHAMPION: National athletes extendhelp during pandemicHeroes at the frontlines

A sound mind and body for the future leaders of

this nation(Posted on PSC’s FB page on Thursday, May 28, 2020)

Asound mind in a sound body. These words hang in big, bold letters in the Philippine

Sports Commission’s gymnasium, reminding everyone how the two are inevitably intertwined. A healthy mind recognizes the benefits of a sound body. A sound body, supports and makes possible a sound mind. A reciprocal and complementary process that produces a well-rounded, healthy human being.

And therein anchored is my belief that Physical Education is important to the holistic education of our children. Its importance is such that I believe it should be a “core subject”.

Leading and credible medical authorities and journals agree on this fact, that the lack of physical activity is a major risk factor in chronic diseases.

The Centers for Disease

Control (CDC) says that “physical activity contributes to normal growth and development, reduces the risk of several chronic diseases, and helps people function better throughout the day and sleep better at night. Even short bouts of physical activity can improve health and wellness.”

The Johns Hopkins Medical website also informs that lack of physical activity can add to feelings of anxiety and depression.A 2008 study published by trusted medical journal The Lancet claims that physical inactivity is as bad as smoking.

There are so many credible studies which gives us a picture of where physical activity stand in the whole scheme of having a healthy citizenry, and yet we are now at the crossroads of choosing whether to heed it or ignore these altogether.

As the privilege of leading the government’s agency on amateur sports rests on my 70-year old shoulders, I put forward a voice that highlights the importance of physical activity, movement or PE in the holistic growth of our children. Physical Education is a vital part of their well-rounded education.

It is a fundamental right of the youth, alongside food, shelter and education. Article 31 of the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of a Child mentions right to play as one of the fundamental rights of a child. Play and movement helps children develop better mentally, physically, emotionally and academically.

If we love our children and value the quality of their future, then we must also recognize that PE is an important part of their education. It is so important that it is part of our constitution and is one of the major moving forces behind Republic Act 6847.

The most basic forms of physical activities such as walking, running and jumping require very little to engage in. Let us not use “lack

of resources” as a reason to minimize the importance of physical activity in the life of our children or the positive impact of PE in their education.

PE should be made a core subject. The Sports strand should become as practical an option as STEM, HUMMS GAS and ABM. Why?

- If we have a robust and healthy youth, we will have a more productive citizenry, and more hope for a better country - If PE is a major part of education, then transformation of a child is possible. The push of “enlightened education” recognizes the holistic development of a child, leaving not one aspect of humanity in consideration of a few. - Science has proven that exercise/play/movement are the best forms of therapy for many diseases. A good consideration especially in this time of COVID-19 - When a person moves the neurotransmitters are activated and improves the brain - We lessen financialcompromise since healthy people do not put additional economic strain on the nation, as we are seeing now - Studies have shown the direct correlation of physical activity to good bodily health, a more alert brain, a better deposition which helps to them be more receptive to learning

Each child must become PE-literate.

If all the reasons above fail to convince us that we must recognize the importance of PE and push for more integration of it in the country’s education system then let us just consider one fact --- our children are the future of this country. The nation’s decision makers must make PE part of its priorities and get a head-start in preparing our future leaders become strong, wise men and women who shall steer the course of an equally strong and secure Philippines.

RANDOMTHOUGHTS

at 3amby Butch Ramirez

wh

at’s in

sid

e?

CONSULTING EDITORSProf. Ed Fernandez

Dr. Gemima Valderrama

EDIT

OR

IAL

We prepare our athletes to win.

The Olympics, being the zenith of achievement in the world of sports. We train them until we have seen that they are ready for victory, physically, emotionally, spiritually.

But no one prepared for a pandemic. A health crisis so swift in its attack that we harrowingly witness a world at war with a silent but efficient killer. A calamity of global proportions.

However, it also allowed us a glimpse into another victory of sports. Sports shaped champions in sports and in life.

The very values which sports has instilled in the athletes it molded for an Olympic win and made possible an overall championship finish in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, are the very fuel which also drive these athletes to go out and find ways to be heroes for others.

Yes, no one prepared for a pandemic. But we prepared our athletes to be champions.

A country of champions

I have often talked about the intrinsic values of sports. How winning goes beyond just medals. It is founded on character which is slowly made solid by the practice of focus, discipline, dedication, sportsmanship and humility.

This crisis, showed us the many faces of “champions” among our athletes, coaches and staff. While the pandemic limited us in so many ways, it also became the perfect stage for many of us to show that our care for others, our heroism, our capacity to sacrifice for the sake of those who lean on us for help is alive.

This edition present us with many stories of our athletes, employees, partners all pitching in to help all of cope better with this crisis.

Like a father to his children, allow me to thank you all my dear athletes, coaches, partners, and staff. You all have made this 70-year-old happy and proud. This situation gave me the blessing of seeing tangible proof of what I keep lecturing about for years now. Build a nation of sports-loving Filipinos and we build a country of leaders and champions.

While we think the small things we did to help will not even make a dent, please know that it matters. For those whose lives you have touched, whose hope you have extended and whose faith you have fed, it is worth its weight in gold.

chairmanspeaks

We know that this is long overdue, but the PSC has

worked on the implementation of this privilege for a long time now and have made

headway with the help Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez

III and BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay”

“Finally, we have been looking forward to

the implementation, and we are thankful

that our athletes and coaches will finally enjoy the privilege they deserve,” said

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman

William Ramirez.

T h e 20% discount for athletes and coaches, a provision in the Republic Act No. 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, is finally set for sailwhen the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Regulation 13-2020, last May 27, giving instructions to merchants across the country on the implementation of the said discount privileges.

According to Section 4 of the RR 13-2020, “qualified national athletes and coaches shall be entitled to twenty percent (20%) sales discount, on sales amount exclusive of VAT (Value Added Tax) related to the sale of goods and services for their actual and exclusive use or enjoyment; transportation, hotels, restaurants, recreation centers, medicine, sports equipment, and admission fees.”

The law is exclusive to Filipino athletes who are members of the national training pool, and Filipino coaches of national athletes, recognized and accredited by both the PSC and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

A Philippine National Sports Team Identification Card (PNSTM ID) and Booklet is now being produced for qualified national team members.

“We know that this is long overdue, but the PSC has worked on the implementation of this privilege for a long time now and have made headway with the help Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay,” said a grateful Chairman Ramirez.

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.2 Manila, Philippines Pages 1 - 2

20%DISCOUNT

FORATHLETES,

COACHESNOW A

REALITYby Joash David Ricanor

“by Chairman William I. Ramirez

Keepingthe lines

open

More than 75 days since Metro Manila, and other parts of the country were placed in community quarantine, the Philippine Sports Commission

(PSC) continue serving all national athletes via all means possible, including through online social media platforms.

PSC Chairman William Ramirez personally instructed the agency’s management committee members to find every way possible to deliver service to our sportsmen despite the limitations of the pandemic.

“These are extraordinary times which call for extraordinary commitment and service from all of us,” explained Ramirez despite the full closure of its sports facilities at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila and Philsports Complex in Pasig.

Using its social media platforms, the PSC offers daily online social media assistance to national athletes, coaches, and the public on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts via messaging interactions and

postings. News and updates, as well as infographic contents and videos are posted daily to keep the sports community in the loop on d e v e l o p m e n t s in, activities and announcements of the agency.

As of the second quarter of the year, the PSC’s social media following and

presence have grown since it launched online in 2017. These social media accounts on Facebook, PSC (Philippine Sports Commission); Twitter, @psc_gov; and Instagram, @phil.sportscommission enjoy a combined following of 132,751 followers.

“We recognize the need for the PSC to be active and present online for our athletes being the most accessible and available means of communication these days. Our goal is to continue engaging the sports community on new insights and applications, for we know that sports

plays a vital role in keeping the physical fitness of everyone, even while we are on community quarantine,” said Chief of Staff Marc Velasco.

Velasco, who is also the National Training Director of Philippine Sports Institute (PSI), added that online sports programs such as free webinars are also

offered by the PSC. These are focused on educating our national team coaches about coping with the health situation and stress brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

These webinars also promote c o m m u n i c a t i o n

between athletes, which help them cope with the emotional impacts of the lockdown.

The agency’s weekly online program called the PSC Chatroom is also a regular show through livestreaming, together with the PSC Hour online radio program collaboration with Radyo Pilipinas Dos 918kHz.

“With the country’s current state, this is the best platform for the PSC to continue to serve despite the limitations,” concluded Ramirez.

by Joash David Ricanor

“These are extraordinary

times which call for extraordinary commitment and service from all

of us.”by Chairman William I. Ramirez

As the national government continue to improve the national health response to control the spread of COVID-19, a new

collaboration between the Philippine Sports

Commission (PSC) and the Department of the Health (DOH) has been made to further strengthen theimmune system of Filipinos through regular exercise and healthy diet.

DOH Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire and PSI National Training Director Marc Velasco announced the project called as ‘WaisMagpapawis’ in the Beat COVID-19 virtual presser last May 28.

“Being involved in this program will boost our increased resistance to sickness, and to improve our immune system is to engage ourselves into physical exercise,” said Velasco.

The project is an educational campaign demonstrating simple but effective home exercises to increase the public’s physical resilience to illness, as part of the DOH’s 5-point strategy on COVID-19. It is also a strategy to prevent virus community transmissionby increasing resilience and decreasing vulnerability.

The campaign which launched on May 29, featured famous Filipino athletes like national karateka and 2019 SEA Games gold medalist Jamie Lim showing easy-to-follow exercise videos posted on the Facebook pages of the DOH, the PSC, and Healthy Pilipinas.

“Athletes and sportsmen are viewed as persons who are at the pinnacle of human physicality. They are regarded as models for health and are greatly emulated by the public,” explained Vergeire.

The undersecretary noted that 10-15 minutes of exercise and seven to eight hours of sleep daily can go a long way in the fight against the pandemic.

“This will improve the body’s resistance to illness and decrease one’s vulnerability. And as we partner with our Pinoy athletes through the PSC will boost reach and engagement of the Department’s behavioral messages,” concluded Vergeire.

On May 16, the sports agency submitted its recommendation on the reintroduction of outdoor physical activities and sports during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic to the DOH.

The document, Filipino Fitness and Recreational Sport-reintroduction Tool or Filipino First, is a study made by the PSC’s Medical and Scientific Athlete Services sports science professionals, headed by Dr. Randy Molo.

WAISMAGPAPAWIS:

A PSC-DOH COLLABORATIONby Joash David Ricanor

For a full month, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez,

who has been keeping post in Philsports Complex in Pasig to look after the national athletes since the lockdown, took a step back from responsibilities in the sports agency.

The sports chief, who has been working nonstop since assuming office in 2016 including leading the Philippines to its record-breaking victory in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, filed for leave to take care of his wife.

PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez stepped up as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) for the given period, never wavering in performing the PSC’s responsibilities.

STEPPING BACK, STEPPING UP

In a letter addressed to the President, Ramirez expressed his intentions to take a month off since his wife underwent surgery and needed his personal attention.

Office Order No. 20-059 was issued designating Fernandez, the agency’s oversight commissioner for Visayas, as OIC.

Fernandez took the first possible flight out of Cebu to go to Pasig City to report for his OIC duties. Along with wife Karla Kintanar-Fernandez, the OIC underwent swab testing along with members of the national team and frontline staff of the agency. He also underwent a 14-day quarantine.

“I just arrived on Monday evening, I am on quarantine now, on a 14-day quarantine. Nagpaswab test tayo last Thursday morning, so hopefully

we’ll get the results on Monday the latest,” shared Fernandez a few days after arriving in Philsports Complex in Pasig City.

“Siguro blessing in disguise na rin maalis ako from Cebu City, I’ve been quarantined in isolation there for three months. It’s a good break for us to be here and most especially to be with the athletes,” he added.

EL PRESIDENTE LEADS BY EXAMPLE

Fernandez, regarded as the country’s best basketball pro and crowned with the El Presidente title during his prime, complied with the testing and standard health protocols along with athletes and employees.

He shared the situation inside their quarters during the agency’s social media show, the PSC Chatroom. “Napakacontained kasi ng complex natin dito. Maski na nandun ‘yung quarantine facility natin sa gym before where we used to play, nakafence naman s’ya. Saka negative pressure naman yung facilities natin dya’n. Yung mga virus, contagions, ‘di naman nakakaalis sa building. So thank God, sa lahat ng tinest natin dito na employees and athletes dito sa ULTRA wala namang nagpositive,” explained Fernandez.

It would be remembered that the Philsports Complex houses a big “We Heal As One Center” at the Multi-Purpose Arena some meters away from the dormitories and PSC satellite offices.

As for being OIC, Commissioner Fernandez was quick to downplay the accolades given his way. He

related that the said position has been in rotation with fellow commissioners each time the need arises.

“This is really not the first time na nag OIC ako, pinapaikot naman ‘yan ni Chairman. In fact, before me, it was Commissioner Celia Kiram. Most of the time it was Commissioner Kiram and Commissioner Agustin kasi dito sila sa Luzon based. Sa Visayas ako, si Comm Charles (Maxey) nasa Davao naman siya. So ngayon kasi, nung nag-write si Chairman ng letter to the President requesting for a leave of absence to take care of his wife na naoperahan, pinaubaya ni Chairman na ang Malacañang na ang mamili ng OIC,” he said.

It was during Commissioner Fernandez’s watch that the payroll padding anomaly in the agency was exposed where he also sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for probing. Chairman Ramirez resumed his duties after his leave and continued the process of investigation of the said issue asking the Office of the Secretary-General (OSG) for assistance in the case.

“We need all the help we can get to get to the bottom of this and make every effort that nothing of this sort ever happens again,” said the sports chief in a statement.

An organizational revamp also took place as the heads of the agency sought to review and restabilize the agency after one of the agency’s long-time employees was discovered to be scamming the payroll since 2015.

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.2 Manila, Philippines Pages 3 - 4

by Jeremielle Valeriano

FERNANDEZstands tall as OIC

Dr. Espino also shared the response coming from the athletes about the flow of services.

“Athletes have been responding well to our current set up. They follow our recommendations and obey the instructions given to them. Our patients have been in contact with us and are constantly updating us whenever necessary. They have been working out in the comforts of their homes and if we have prescribed physical therapy to them, they communicated with our Rehabilitation Unit and are doing their own therapies at home,” she said.

This is in the face of the situation that physical examinations could not be done to make diagnoses where both the athletes and the health professionals can consult face to face – both try to make ends meet.

“It is a bit challenging but through the cooperation of the athletes we are able to manage,” said Dr. Espino.

SERVICEnow more than ever

of one’s body.

“Nutrition is part of athletes’ daily lives. With their exposure through nutrition lectures, counseling sessions, and partaking of meals served at the PSC Dining Hall, we believed that they can somehow adjust with the current situation and apply imparted knowledge, reinforced skills, and nutrition behaviors befitting their status as national athletes,” added Pineda.

Given this, the PSC’s Nutrition Unit still exerts efforts to help athletes be at their optimum health despite the isolation and distancing measures through being readily-available for consultation and conduct of webinars.

Along with Nutritionist Jane Serapion, they have also shared that difficulties are inevitable in the present set-up they have in delivering services.

“Since most of our communication and consultations are done online, internet connectivity may be a challenge for our national athletes,” they related.

“As weight monitoring is a necessary parameter for determining nutritional soundness, availability of weighing scales at home setting is a difficulty in the extended community quarantine period,” the PSC’s nutritionists added.

These drawbacks, however, are still being resolved through the continuous communication and dissemination of practical nutrition tips and information to the athletes through various means.

THE AGENCY’S MYTHICAL MEDICAL TEAM

MSAS’ Medical Unit’s family physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and nurses have also been mobilized since the beginning of the community quarantine.

“The Medical Unit wants to ensure that our athletes remain healthy throughout the pandemic and we aim to be able to continue providing our medical services to the athletes as best as we could. We also would like to furnish them with guidelines and other information in order for them to have the proper knowledge and be able to return to their sport in the right manner once the pandemic is over and the ECQ is lifted,” related Dr. Janis Espino.

According to them, nursing staff has been staying in the Philsports Complex since March 13 and medical doctors are giving telemedicine consultations with their personal contact information available on the sports agency’s website and social media accounts.

In addition to this, members of the unit, in coordination with other unit heads, have worked as an advisory team to the Department of Health (DOH) and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the framework on sports.

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.2 Manila, Philippines Pages 5 - 6

Stay-at-home to stay-safe is a clichéd slogan resounding through every nation now

to prevent the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

While isolation limits the chances of virus transmission, the drastic change in the physical and social landscape of human relations poses another risk to people’s health.

Athletes are a poignant picture of this challenging situation. Known to lead active lifestyles regularly engaging in outdoor activities, the current ongoing lockdown takes a rather different toll on them.

Our country’s national athletes remain the focus of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in the middle of this raging global health crisis by providing various services. The PSC’s Medical Scientific Athlete Services (MSAS) caters to the sportsmen under its care through

its units offering various medical services.

Even inside the walls of the home, health resounds loud and clear as a top priority, most especially for athletes whose bodies and sound mentalities determine their career.

“The most challenging part for the athletes was navigating through the postponement of major competitions they have set out for the year. We all know that they follow through periodization and adjusting from an active lifestyle to being at home can play a major factor especially to them,” shared Dr. Karen Trinidad of the MSAS’ Psychology unit.

Apparently, this is just one of the several setbacks that athletes hurdle in this pandemic.

Like everyone else, they are also subject to the same fears, isolation, and uncertainty that COVID-19 has

been generating since its genesis. It is evident that their way of life is also impeded indefinitely through sudden confinement to closed spaces, inability to return home to their families, and the restrictive measures they have to follow affecting their livelihoods, health, and stability.

It is in this time of never-before-seen global health crisis that the sports agency heeds intensively to the crucial health needs and concerns of the athletes.

The MSAS is comprised of 9 units namely, Medical, Sports Nutrition, Sports Rehabilitation, Sports Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Massage, Dental, Strength and Conditioning, and Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHINADO) who go the extra mile of attending to our sportsmen in this time of self-preservation and dread of the virus’ havoc.

by Jeremielle Valeriano

NUTRITION FOR THE SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN OF THE NATION

“The national athletes are major stakeholders in our sports community as they strived hard to represent our country with pride and honor at any given time. It is therefore important that they be properly nourished at all times. Good nutrition boosts immunity and deters the occurrence of illness including viral infections,” expressed Nutrition Unit head, Karen Pineda. The drastic change in food consumption practices in this pandemic is a phenomenon that even able-bodied athletes are not immune to.

The department, however, relies on the prior exposure of our sportsmen to the value of nutrition and measures about taking care

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.2 Manila, Philippines Pages 7 - 8

SRU IN ACTION

TELEREHAB is the Sports Rehabilitation Unit’s (SRU) answer to the call of times for a safer yet consistent flow of physiotherapy services to national athletes and coaches.

“The Sports Rehabilitation unit has been continually responding and communicating with our athletes’ concerns during this extended community quarantine. We are currently implementing TELEREHAB, an individualized online consultation program that aims to provide and give our National Athletes and Coaches an evaluation, assessment, and treatment to help them and assist them to manage their Musculoskeletal, Orthopedic, and Post-Operative concerns,” shared SRU’s head Enrico Barin.

A step-by-step process in availing the service is provided on their social media page exclusively for national athletes and coaches.

In addition to this, they have also provided closer monitoring through their physiotherapists and are developing measures to disseminate information to our sportsmen.

“We are also assigning each National team their corresponding physiotherapist that will help them with their rehabilitative concerns. We are also currently preparing for other programs that may help educate our athletes and coaches especially during this pandemic,” Barin said.

In close coordination with athletes and coaches, department Head Enrico Barin gave insight into how athletes who receive their services deal with the present situation.

“It is a unique situation for our athletes during this time of quarantine. They usually work closely with the Sports Rehabilitation Unit when it comes to their day to day physical well-being, and to suddenly halt that service is very challenging for both the Physiotherapist and Athlete and even harder to those who are currently undergoing rehabilitation such as Post-Operative, Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic cases,” he shared.

Despite this, the SRU remains motivated in giving service through utilizing the feasible platforms for the sportsmen under PSC’s care.

“We aim to provide continued Rehabilitation service for our National Athletes to ensure that their needs will not be hampered despite the circumstances we are facing now. We also aim to ensure that our national athletes will be on their optimal health and help them in preventing the occurrence of injuries. We are continuously exploring different platforms and programs that may benefit and help our athletes. Our dedication is to deliver nothing but the best and we also aim to improve more on our services for our national athletes,” said the SRU unit head.

SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY SUPPORT

Psychology Unit’s Dr. Karen Trinidad lean on their practice

of telepsychology as a means of providing psychological assessments, intake interviews, counseling, and psychotherapy. Through the online available platforms, video calling, and even text messaging, these services are being given.

Presenting an insight into the most pressing issue for athletes, they also shared how like normal people, these sports prodigies need to undergo processes to get through the situation.

“At first it was hard for them to adjust to the situation. Their anxiety levels were high but they remained resilient. We always tell them that in a global crisis like this, these are normal reactions and that there are ways to help them ease their situation like practicing mindfulness, keeping a day-to-day journal, staying connected with others, and a lot more to consider,” related Dr. Trinidad.

The Psychology Unit also utilizes the online platform by producing infographics, exercises-at-home, and webinars that promote mental wellness during the community quarantine period.

This phase in the lives of the national athletes is one when they all the more assure the unhampered flow of services. “Our primary aim is to be able to foster a culture that supports their mental health and empower them during the pandemic given the limitations and psychological impact of the ECQ. It is also very important to note in our practice that we make every effort to keep the information confidential as we fully abide by the code of ethics and professional regulations,” shared the Psychology Unit head.

THE PHINADO GUIDANCE

Confidence in our athletes’ regard for the values of a true sportsman motivates the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHINADO) in unceasingly assisting national athletes in this time of the pandemic.

“We honestly believe that our national athletes and coaches can endure the current difficulties brought about by the COVID-19

pandemic situation and still live through the spirit and values of Olympism – ethics, fair play, and honesty; dedication and commitment; respect for rules and laws; community and solidarity,” expressed PHINADO’s, Dr. Alex Pineda.

Aside from monitoring athletes through online platforms, they have also been promoting the use of the Anti-Doping e-Learning platform (ADeL) for free. ADeL is a free resource from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), who monitors the athletes under the helms of PHINADO.

“We are code-signatory to Copenhagen Declaration on clean sports and the UNESCOConference of Parties Convention on the elimination of doping in sports. Our compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code is, therefore, being monitored by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Southeast Asia Regional Anti-doping Organization (SEA RADO) amidst the limitations of the current situation,” shared Dr. Pineda.

Dr. Pineda shared that our athletes have been well-equipped with anti-doping knowledge ever since as PHINADO had been extensively involving them in accordance with their oath.

“With the primary goal of having a doping-free Philippine sports environment during the 30th edition of SEA Games,

PHI-NADO has extensively engaged national athletes and coaches to ‘Play True, Play Clean and Play Fair – Nope to Dope’ in 2019 interactive sessions. Having stated such, training and competing in a doping-free milieu is very much a part of our athletes and coaches’ daily routines,” he said.

The PHINADO still expressed one challenge for the conduct of consultations for athletes in this time of isolation and distancing measures.

“Internet connectivity though may be a challenge for our national athletes and coaches. Obviously, out-of-competition and in-competition testing may not be feasible in a lockdown scenario,” said Dr. Pineda.

Despite this, PHINADO assures no-delay and the best of their efforts with the athletes as their moving spirit behind.

“It is our strong belief that our national athletes and coaches have committed and pledged to compete in a clean sports environment and represent our country with pride and honor at any given time even beyond this current pandemic situation. PHI-NADO is focused on moving clean sport forward despite the current situation,” he concluded.

FULFILLING SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY’S PURPOSE

The Sports Physiology Unit (SPU) is also proactive in its delivery of services facing the community quarantine.

The department prepared guidelines on how a physiological examination will be conducted both in the event that a physiological examination will be allowed inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and Philsports Complex.

They have also set out a detailed step-by-step process if testing may not be done inside the PSC.

Seeing the importance of providing these healthcare services even with the presence of a pandemic, Unit Head Joy Reyes shared the requirements to be fulfilled by coaches, athletes, and employees before, during, and after a physiological test is to be done.

Since these tests catered by the unit normally requires one-on-one interaction, strict physical distancing measures are placed, and modifications have been applied in order to ensure the safety of the athletes and the healthcare personnel.

This involves close coordination with the unit, ensuring that those undergoing a physiological test should have undergone a prior COVID-19 test, compliance with modified protocols, continuous maintenance of proper hygiene, and the eventual use of the online platform if a comprehensive evaluation of a team should be done.

In case that physical testing is out of the possible options, the virtual platform would also be used to conduct anthropometric measurements and muscular endurance tests for athletes.

SPU assessors will be the ones to coordinate with specialists and after obtaining results, will be relayed to coaches and athletes through online means.

BRIDGING HEALTH AND WELLNESS OVER HYSTERIA AND ILLNESS

The PSC’s health arm remains undeterred in its duty of keeping our modern sports heroes physically and mentally-well.

Every virus has had its own history, with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus writing its own. Through these times of distress, health workers shed beams of hope.

As this invisible warfare seems endless, so is the spirit of service.

7 WAYS TO STAY FITAND HEALTHY

WHILE WORKINGFROM HOME

Since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, most employees were advised to work from the comfort of their own homes. This set-up provided a lot of conveniences: no more hassle from early morning commutes, saved transportation and food expense, anyone could work without wearing the company-prescribed uniform or a formal wear, and most of all, it gave the gift of time with family.

But, as is usual in life, there are also downsides to the new set-up. We wake-up and snooze off late because we are not required to report to the office and facedaily traffic. We eat more because food is very accessible and time allows us to experiment more in the kitchen and explore our inner chefs. It also took away time boundaries, so for some working late is a norm.

With the mental and physical impacts of this pandemic, we have to try our best to at least keep our bodies fit and healthy. Keeping in shape could be done at home without need to expose ourselves to possible contamination of the virus.

Here are 7 ways to stay fit and healthy while working from home:

1Establish your morning routine- you may not be required to report to the office at exactly 8:00 am, but keeping the routine of waking

up and showering in the morning will help you feel accomplished at the start of the day.

2Follow the office work routine and identify your work space- make sure to be in a comfortable space, away from

distractions. Put aside doing random personal things during working hours.

3Make sure to hydrate, walk around and do few mobility exercises every hour- this is to make sure you won’t miss your fluids and

squeeze in a bit of physical activity while working.

4Eat on time- if before you always miss your breakfast or even lunch, now is the time to catch up. Grab your meals

on time. Eat healthy by consuming fresh food in balance, moderation and variety.

5Drink plenty of water and limit caffeinated and sugary beverages- though coffee helps you stay alert, too much is still

too much.It may lead to headache, anxiety, digestive issues and even fatigue. Also, sugary beverages are usually calorie dense which give you large amount of sugar with very minimal nutrients. The best option to hydrate is always water.

6Allot time for a physical activity- Find a convenient time to shake some pounds away. May it be in the form of workout, walking, running,

dancing or cleaning house, make sure to have at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

7Get enough sleep- Getting enough sleep is essential to a healthy mind and body. Sleeplessness usually result in weight gain,

decreased immunity and less productivity. Try to avoid distractions, like gadget surfing, when trying to sleep.

The academy shall rise at New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac surrounded by newly-built world-class facilities to be utilized by the future students of the institution.

Natural-born Filipino citizens would be able to access quality and holistic education with a special curriculum on sports. This program would enable deserving secondary students to push through with their athletic career after or opt for other fields where sports education is a requirement.

As per the law’s provisions, the academy will be under the Department of Education and will operate in close coordination with the country’s sports agency. The Chairman of the PSC will be appointed as the Vice-Chairperson and will be part of the screening committee for approving scholarships, stipends, and allowances to students.

As part of the sport’s academy’s board, the PSC Chief will also have to take part in the recruitment of the “best student-athletes from the different regions of the Philippines to be enrolled in the NAS system to better hone their skills and talents; develop[ment] of the athletic potential of every student together with a sound and strong academic base; and provision of a training program for students with the end goal of producing athletes who can compete in international competitions.”

The agency will also have to certify the hiring of foreign coaches, trainers, and consultants before they could be allowed to teach in the academy proving that this manpower could not be sourced locally. A PUSH TO MOVE FORWARD

“I also would like to thank the Philippines Sports Commission, the Department of Education, the Department of Budget and Management, and the

Bases Conversion and Development Authority for their commitment that shall allow us to hit the ground running once this measure is signed by President Duterte,” expressed Senator Go in a speech before the Senate.The government’s sports arm sees this as welcome progress in catering to grassroots sports in the country.

“The PSC commits its support and cooperation in the implementation of RA 11470’s provisions, recognizing its success as a vital boost to the country’s sports development and complementing the sports agency’s efforts in line with its mandate to develop grassroots and elite sports,” the agency said in a statement.

Following R.A. No. 6847, the PSC is given the responsibility to “provide the leadership, formulate the policies and set the priorities and direction of all national amateur sports promotion and development, particularly giving emphasis on grass-roots participation.”

Thus, the establishment of the sports academy will aid the agency in its grassroots sports effort and will help in fielding more athletes who could play for the country.

Despite the budget-cutting measures to aid the COVID-19 response, this serves as a reminder of the government’s unwavering support to Philippine sports despite the ongoing pandemic.

“This is a timely measure for our young and budding athletes, especially now we are going through a health crisis. Ngayong naghahanap tayo ng ways to move forward, sigurado ako na ang proposed NAS will help our youth improve their mental and physical well-being para mas maging malusog tayo bilang isang bansa,” Sen. Go

added in a Senate release.

This achievement in the field of Philippine sports gives hope to the millions of Filipino youth whose dreams remain shining brightly amidst the world health crisis. The PSC stays committed to this call and would continue echoing President Duterte’s statement on how sports “is truly an effective avenue to instill among the youth the essential characteristics.”

As the ongoing battle with the lethal disease ensues, the national goal of honing our home-grown talents to becoming world-class athletes remain, furthermore inspiring us to step up and keep moving forward.

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.2 Manila, Philippines Pages 9 - 10

On June 9, Malacañan Palace delivered the news of Republic Act No. 11470, more known as the National Academy of Sports Act (NAS), finally

getting inked by President Rodrigo Duterte after almost a decade of work and deliberation for an academic institution for sports. This law, which spans 16 pages in length, two proponent committees, lawmakers from the upper and lower houses, and the hope for Philippine sports, is more than a monumental event for the nation’s youth and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

The NAS act recognizes the ideal that the sports agency seeks to uphold, that is, the youth is a boundless source of talent and potential which the country should seek to develop. This landmark enactment is a massive support to the sports agency’s advocacy of developing grassroots sports in the country.

“We are elated to see the hardwork of our leaders in Senate and Congress come to fruition with this law,” expressed Chairman William I. Ramirez.

“It will definitely help us in performing our role and more importantly, will open doors for the future of Philippine sports

just waiting to be discovered,” the PSC Chief added.

THE YOUTH HOLDS THE FUTURE OF SPORTS

The Filipino frenzy over sports dates back to our ancestors and is still lived through this day.

Different sports have been introduced in the Philippines and history tells how Filipinos can excel in its various fields.

Starting sports in the youth is pivotal in achieving sports excellence and a healthy and well-rounded citizenry.

After assuming office in 2016, the administration has put sports as one of the government’s priorities to help the youth stay away from substance abuse.

The establishment of the NAS is a part of this program. “I support the measure to create the National Academy for Sports for high school students,” assured President Duterte during the opening of the Palarong Pambansa last year.

The academy, which will be situated in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, will serve as an institution to provide quality sports education to deserving students. It was further pushed forward by the demonstration of our athletes’ stellar performance at the 30th Southeast Asian Games – proving the urgency o f establishing a sports academy in the country since it lags behind fellow Southeast Asian nations with their own sports academies.

“With PRRD’s signing of RA 11470, we are confident that we will be able to raise our student-athletes’ competitiveness in the field of sports and produce world-class athletes in the years to come,” the Palace said in a release.

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, the primary supporter of the NAS act and Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, echoes this long-standing goal of raising sports excellence.

“I firmly believe that with this measure, we will be able to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of sports development,” shared the Go in a release.

A SCHOOL FOR SPORTS

BOLSTERING THE BID:NAS Act Gets Signed Amid the Pandemic

by Jeremielle Valeriano

“We are elated to see the hardwork of our leaders

in Senate and Congress

come to fruition with

this law”

Photo from https://www.bworldonline.com/

Photo from Office of Senator Bong Go

Chairman William I. Ramirez

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.2 Manila, Philippines Pages 11 - 12

Citius, Altius, Fortius, Three powerful words which fuel the eternal spirit of the Games.

To be Faster, Higher, Stronger as the Olympic motto upholds, are the same ideals that keep the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) determined to push through with the pursuit of the Olympic dream.

After all, the true measure of these ideals is not solely based on a glittering medal.

With almost Php 1.3 billion of the sports agency’s funds cut to aid in the country’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, the PSC, nevertheless, pledges its all-out-support to the athletes who also do not waver in their pursuit for a Tokyo 2021 win.

And the PSC is meeting the athletes in their chosen road to achieve the seemingly impossible golden victory.

“As long as we can support our Tokyo hopefuls, there is no reason for us to back down,” expressed PSC Chairman William Ramirez.

A solid dream can definitely outlive a formidable challenge.

THE OLYMPIC TRACK SO FAR

The PSC had invested considerable funding and full attention to the athletes seeking an Olympic berth from the launch of the Tokyo campaign starting some years back up until now.

As part of its mandate to better the country’s elite sports program and to effect the change it seeks to see in the country’s Olympic performance —-funding the training, foreign exposure, medical requirements, meals, and welfare of the athletes remain the priorities of the agency.In 2019, PSC released Php 1 Billion for the athletes’ foreign training and exposure and additional Ph 200 Million for training equipment which bore fruit to the country’s championship at the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG).

The roster which delivered the country’s second SEAG champion finish after 14 years includes the same athletes who might give us the long-overdue Olympic glory.

The country already has four qualifiers in the 2021 quadrennial meet even before the onset of lockdowns and strict health measures around the globe.

Ernest John Obiena, the country’s top national pole vault athlete became the first Filipino qualifier at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics after clearing 5.81 meters surpassing the Olympic qualifying mark of 5.80 meters last September at the Salto Con L’Asta tournament held in Chiara, Italy.

Obiena, an Italy-based pole vaulter, has received the most financial support from the PSC in 2019 amounting to Php 12.4 million for his training, competitions, allowance, and

incentives, including the allowance of his Ukrainian coach Vitaly Petrov. The celebrated Soviet coach had helped Obiena reach his full potential and continues to guide the 24 year-old Filipino prodigy.

2019 had been a great year for Obiena who obtained a gold medal at the Summer Universiade in Naples, Italy, following another gold in the Asian Athletics Championships held in Doha, Qatar and finally winning his first Southeast Asian Games gold medal last December held at the New Clark City (NCC) in Capas, Tarlac, Philippines.

The PSC had decided to provide Obiena his own team composed of a physiotherapist, sports nutritionist, and sports psychologist as part of its support,“Maraming salamat po sa tulong ninyo. Kung wala ang PSC, wala rin ang sports so maraming salamat po.” said Olympic-bound Obiena.

For the first three months of the year, Obiena received Php 1.1 million to cover his training and allowance.

Despite the challenges the world is facing right now, Obiena remains motivated to improve every day, “to everyone, I know it’s hard to find direction at this time but we are athletes after all. We train each day to be better so it does not matter when and where the next tournament is, we train each day to improve and we shall keep doing so at the best of our abilities and situation.” said Obiena encouraging his co-athletes in the national team.

Artistic gymnast Carlos Edriel “Caloy” Yulo followed Obiena’s footsteps and became the country’s second qualifier at the Tokyo Olympiad.

The 20-year-old Yulo, a product of PSC’s Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games (PNG), became an inspiration for young athletes after making history as the first Filipino and the first male Southeast Asian gymnast to win a medal in the world championships.

Yulo clinched the gold medal in the men’s floor exercise event in the 49th FIG Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Stuttgart, Germany last year. He also advanced in the men’s all-around finals which made him qualify at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.

“Salamat po kay God dahil binigyan niya ako ng ganitong talent,” said Yulo who also bagged 2 gold and 5 silver medals in 2019 Manila Southeast Asian Games.

In 2019, Yulo received Php 7.6 million financial assistance from the agency for competitions, training, allowance, including cash incentives, aside from the Php 90,000.00 for the first quarter of 2020.

“Gusto ko lang pong magpasalamat sa PSC sa pag-support sa lahat po ng competitions at training ko po,” said Yulo.

Boxing, the country’s most bemedalled sport in the Olympics, currently has two boxers with secured slots courtesy of Eumir Felix Marcial and Irish Magno.

by Jeremielle Valeriano & Arianne Mallare

the first time.Didal also clinched 2 gold medals at the 2019 SEA Games held in Tagaytay City, Philippines last year.

In 2019 until March this year, Didal has received almost Php 900,000.00 from the PSC.

“Salamat pa rin kasi hindi nagsasara ang PSC and salamat din na you are trying your best to give us athletes and coaches the allowance even without international competitions this year.” said the Cebuana skateboard athlete.

Didal also shared how she’s finding ways to keep fit during this crisis. “We finally have a skateboard training facility in Cebu. It will help me progress than the time I had no facility at all to train.” shared Didal who recently bagged the women’s top place in the 1st Asian Skateboarding C h a m p i o n s h i p s 2020 Online Video Competition.

The Skateboarding event is set to debut at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Swimmers Remedy Rule, James Deiparine , Luke Michael Gebbie, and Jasmine Alkhaldi who are targeting slots through Qualifying Time A were provided with assistance to cover meal expenses, training and/or competition (for Rule, Deiparine and Gebbie), allowance (Deiparine) and awarded monetary incentives in 2019. Combined, they

have received almost Php 300,000 for January to March this year for allowances (Deiparine) and meals.

Triathlon star Kim Mangrobang who was supported with nearly Php 1.6 million in 2019 has also received more than Php 80,000 for the first months of 2020.

The women of golf, Yuka Saso and Bianca Pagdanganan also had accumulated financial assistance of almost Php 1.7 million from the sports agency in 2019.

Taekwondo jins Pauline Lopez, 2016 Rio Olympian Kirstie

Elaine Alora, Kurt Barbosa, and Arven Alcantara have received a Php 1.2 million assistance in 2019.

Karateka Junna Tsukii waiting to work her way to top 16 for a Tokyo slot was granted more than Php 900,000 from last year up to the first quarter of 2020.Also last year, the PSC released Php 47.1 million to Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), Php 43.1 million to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP), and P23.6 million to the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP).

From 2016, boxing, swimming, weightlifting, table tennis, wushu, golf, judo, taekwondo, shooting, and archery had received a total of almost Php 336 million.

A SOLID DRIVE FOR GOLD

This comprehensive approach looks at the fulfilment of the athletes’ fundamental needs as an investment, with the Olympic gold medal the ultimate return.

Tracking the Philippines’ Olympic performance, the country competed for the first time at the Summer Olympic Games in 1924 in Paris, France.

After more than nine decades, the Philippines has only managed to win three silver medals courtesy of boxers Anthony Villanueva (1964) and Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco (1996) and weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz (2016) and seven bronze medals from Swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso (1928 and 1932), Athletics Olympians Simeon Toribio (1932) and Miguel White (1936), and boxers Leopoldo Serantes (1988) and Roel Velasco (1996).

We have won all colors of victory except the elusive gold.The country hopes that this 2021 Olympiad in Tokyo, Japan will be a milestone in Philippine Sports.

Given the full support and trust on the heart and talent of our Filipino national athletes – these two could be the keys to finally unlock the golden door.

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.2 Manila, Philippines Pages 13-14

Marcial punched a ticket to the Olympics after advancing through the men’s middleweight (75kg) semifinals against Byamba-Erden Otgonbaatar of Mongolia at the Asia and Oceania Olympic boxing qualifiers held in Amman, Jordan last March.

Top seed Marcial won against Otgonbaatar via referee stop contest in the 3rd Round to secure an Olympic berth and became the third Filipino qualifier at the 32nd Summer Olympic Games.

Marcial was given more than Php 1 million in 2019 for meals, allowance, and incentives from winning a silver medal at the 2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Yekaterinburg, Russia, and a gold medal in the 2019 SEA Games.

“Salamat po sa PSC dahil kahit na naghihirap ang bansa natin ngayon ay tuloy pa rin po ang suporta ninyo,” said Marcial.

Despite the COVID-19 lockdown, Marcial keeps his focus on his goal to perform his best and to win an Olympic medal next year, “May nakakausap po ako sa PSC at ABAP at maayos naman po ang lahat. Noong nagstart ang lockdown, andito lang ako sa bahay, ginagawa ko ung normal na shadow boxing, push-up at iba pa.” said the 24-year-old Tokyo Olympian.

In these challenging times, Marcial encouraged other Filipino Olympic hopefuls to always believe in themselves. “Tuloy-tuloy tayo ng ensayo. Lalo tayong magsikap ngayon kahit na ganito. Sa mga hindi pa nag-qualify, tiwala lang sa Panginoon, training at disiplina. Ingat po sa panahon ngayon.” exhorted Marcial.

For Magno, 12 years was worth the wait after she became the first Philippine female athlete and fourth Filipino qualifier at the 2021 Olympics.The Iloilo native booked her Olympic ticket after winning against Tajikistan’s Sumaiya Qosimov at the Asia and Oceania Olympic boxing qualification in Amman, Jordan.

Magno received Php 366,594.00 assistance from the PSC from 2019 until March this year, on top of

her allowances and other benefits “Nagpapasalamat po ako sa PSC na kahit may pandemic hindi po nila kami pinapabayaan. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin po ang suporta nila sa amin especially sa amin na qualified na,” said Magno.

Aside from Marcial and Magno, the PSC also supports the Olympic dream of other Filipino boxing contenders including 2019 AIBA women’s world boxing champion Nesthy Petecio, Ian Clark Bautista, James Palicte and Carlo Paalam, where the agency has funded them with almost Php 5.2 million last year. From January to March 2020, allowances alone already reached almost Php 650,000.

“Maswerte pa rin po kaming mga atleta dahil kahit lockdown tuloy pa rin yung suporta ng PSC sa amin,” said Petecio.

“Tuloy-tuloy pa rin po yung training naming mga boxers para sa darating na Olympic qualifier para sa Tokyo Olympics,” added Petecio.

The Tokyo bets, including 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, have received more than Php 31 Million funding for 2019.

For the first three months of 2020, Diaz has received Php 2.1 million assistance from the PSC and almost Php 10 million in 2019 to be able to boost her performance and fulfil her dream of giving the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal next year.

“Tuloy naman po ang suporta ng PSC via monthly allowance ko same sa mga national athletes.” said the three-time Olympian.

Despite the budget cut due to the COVID-19 crisis, Diaz was one of those who fully expressed her support and understanding to the sport agency, “Alam kong mahirap sa PSC gawin ito kasi they really care for the athletes pero wala silang pagkukuhanan

ng budget dahil closed ang mga casinos.”

“But on my part, I really understand the decision. This is the right decision. It’s better to receive half than none at all.” added Diaz.

Before lockdown, Diaz was set to compete in her last Olympic qualifier – the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Kazakhstan. Due to the COVID-19 situation, the host country pulled out.

At present, Diaz is world no.5 in the women’s 55kg class behind four weightlifters from China. According to the IOC rule, only one participant per country will be allowed to compete at the Olympic weightlifting and only the top 8 in the world, which means Diaz has a better chance to make her Olympic return in Tokyo 2021

HOPING FOR A RIDE TO THE OLYMPIC DREAM

Fil-Japanese Kiyomi Watanabe of judo is another Olympic aspirant of the country. She is a four-time gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games.

The PSC had allotted Php 3.5 million budget for Watanabe’s financial expenditure in Japan which includes her competitions, training, and allowance.

Another Filipina Olympic hopeful is female street skateboard athlete Margielyn Didal. She is the reigning champion in the 2018 Asian Games, where skateboarding was played for

“We heed the call of the national government to cut expenses as we reroute the majority of our resources to fighting the pandemic, but we also stand by our commitment to keep supporting the members of the national team,” said PSC Chairman William Ramirez in one of his statements, assuring the national team that the sports agency will exert all efforts to be able to make good on its promise to support its athletes.

As famous novelist Mitch Albom said “sacrifice is a part of life” the PSC had to give up some things along the way as it navigates its way in this time of crisis while delivering its promised support.

PSC staff had to give up time with family as they chose to get locked-in with the athletes stranded and housed in Philsports Complex when government announced the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine last March 16. “It was a sacrifice we chose because we care for these athletes,” said Dormitory Manager Roselle Destura who was one of the employees constantly monitoring the athletes and personally making sure that they are okay.

Serving was what they did that they extended help even on things that are not officially theirs to do. Due to the

suspension of non-essential travel outside the complex, Philsports skeleton staff even did errands such as going to local remittance centers to send money on behalf of the athletes. Talk about serving above and beyond the call of duty!

In April, the agency had to discontinue contracts of sports coordinators, consultants, and job order staff as one of the agency’s initial efforts to preserve its dwindling resources. The PSC Board was staving off other options which would possibly impact heavily on the athletes.

Despite the manpower cut, the PSC through its Medical and Sports Science Services (MSAS) was still able to keep serving strong. The MSAS monitored the safety and health of the athletes, both those in Philsports Complex and those who were able to go home, via teleconsulting and online chats with the doctors and specialists of different MSAS units in Nutrition, Physiology, Psychology, Sports Science and Medical.

Chairman Ramirez always told the PSC family in his messages that “good service require only that we want to serve as this is the power that will drive us to do whatever else is needed.” A lesson from a wise man PSC employees obviously took to heart.

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.2 Manila, Philippines Pages 15-16

We now have the luxury of time to stay inside our homes. In these times when we spend more times horizontally inactive in front of books or

gadgets. Now more than ever, wemust make more effort to stay active even indoors.

Thus, this is a great opportunity for us to be active both mentally and physically and what better opportunity to move and learn a sport French mathematician Blaise Pascal described as, “the gymnasium of the mind.”

ORIGINS

The rich history of Chess goes back to centuries. Its invention is considered by many as highly debatable due to itsdiscovered origins in ancient North of India, to Persia and China.

Some believe that Chess was developed in 6th Century AD in Gupta Empire of India where the game was known as Chaturanga (Naval Saini, 2017), while Persians use words Shah!, the word for the “King”, or ShahMat! which means “the king is helpless.”.

These words are similar to the terms we use today, specifically “check” and “checkmate” (Murray,1913).

In the Asian continent, historians otherwise believe that chess was invented around 200 B.C. by a Chinese commander, Hán Xin, who invented the game to represent abattle.

It was namedXiangQi meaning “elephant game,” but with a different set of rules and game pieces.

With this origin, chess, its rules, and forms have transcended from generation to generation, right to the very first official World Championship in 1886, where American-Austrian chess master Wilhelm Steinitz became the first undisputed World Chess Champion.

RULES

Today, the chessboard consists of 64 squares over 8 horizontal ranks and 8 vertical files. A player has 16 chess pieces, one side on white, and the other on black. These chess pieces include Pawns, Knights, Bishops, Rooks, Queens, and Kings.

The pawns are situated on the second rank in front of your other chess pieces. The rooks sit in the corners, next to them the knights, then the bishops. The queen sits on the square of her own color, and the king stands next to her (iChess, 2018).

Every chess piece has its own set of functions and moves. According to the romantic era of chess in the 1880s:

In the Philippines, chess was also an avenue to display the power of the Filipino mind.

The game produced one of the pioneers of Filipino chess --- Rodolfo Tan Cardoso, the first Filipino and Asian to ever receive an International Chess Master by FIDE (in 1957) after dominating as Philippine Champion in 1958 and 1963, and the Asian Zonal Competition of 1957-58.

He was succeeded by fellow chess legend Eugene Torre, who became an International Master as Asian Zonal Champion in Hongkong 1970, and Asia’s 1st Grandmaster in the 1974 World Chess Olympiad in Nice, France.

For Torre, playing chess during this pandemic is a great solution to combat every Filipino’s boredom and stress broughtby the prevailing community quarantine due to COVID-19.

“Spending time in chess activities play a big role for the holistic health of every Filipino, both the young, and the old. Chess is a part of our culture, in every household and barangay, there is someone playing and enjoying it,” said GM Torre.

The 68-year-old added that the game is universal and boosts the critical thinking of its players.

“It has this unique simplicity and complexity in every way you play it. That is why it is never too late for everyone, especially our athletes to start playing it,” shared the living legend.

With three months already passed since the lockdown, the chess grandmaster hopes to see brighter days ahead for Philippine sports.

“We are like chess pieces in a match, each of us having our own purpose to win the battle. As we play together in harmony, we find ourselves winning, together,” concluded Torre.

The Philippine Sports Commission may not be one of the government agencies frontlining the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is committed to providing continued, dedicated support to the national athletes and coaches – COVID-19 or not.

Like a truck loaded with a human’s basic needs, the PSC continues on its journey and meet challenges head-on along the way, to be able to get its service to its destination --- the members of the national team.

by Chariza Fe De Vera

by Joash David Ricanor

COVID OR NOT, WE SERVE!PSC keeps its commitment to serve the national team

“We heed the call of the national government to

cut expenses as we reroute

the majority of our resources to fighting the

pandemic, but we also stand by our commitment to keep supporting

the members of the national

team.”

Make your move at home with Chess

Kings move one square in any direction, so long as that square is not attacked by an enemy piece. Additionally, kings can make a special move, known as castling.

Queens move diagonally, horizontally, or vertically any number of squares. They cannot jump over pieces.

Rooks move horizontally or vertically on any number of squares. Theycannot jump over pieces. Rooks move when the king castles.

Bishops move diagonally on any number of squares. They cannot jump over pieces.

Knights move in an ‘L’ shape’: two squares in a horizontal or vertical direction, then move one square horizontally or vertically. They are the only piece able to jump over other pieces.

Pawns move vertically forward one square, with the option to move two squares if they have not yet moved. Pawns are the only piece to capture different to how they move. Pawns capture one square diagonally in a forward direction. Pawns are unable to move backward on captures or moves. Upon reaching the other side of the board a pawn promotes into any other piece, except for a king. Additionally, pawns can make a special move named En Passant.

“It has this unique simplicity and complexity in every way you play it. That

is why it is never too late for everyone, especially our athletes to start playing it.”

- GM Eugene Torre

- Chairman William I. Ramirez

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.2 Manila, Philippines Pages 17-18

The Olympics is a lifelong dream - - from a budding athlete’s imagination to an aging sportsman’s memories as

he faces the twilight of his days. It remains ever present. As alive as the first embers which started the burning fire of passion for sports excellence.

Almost a century after the Philippines’ debut in the Games, the golden win still eludes us. However, the value of an Olympic medal is still as precious as it was. Probably commanding higher merits now as it serves a more profound purpose to the country.

It is more than a proof of excellence but a reflection of character and dedication and a chance to be given a wider range of

opportunities through the clichéd saying of “blood, sweat, and tears.”

And if the Philippines has had its drought for decades, it rained luck, to say the least, at the Xth Olympiad.

The 1932 Los Angeles Olympics is a remarkable event that became the grounds for the country’s greatest sports feat yet.

“For the first time in Olympic history 1.25 million spectators reveled in the sheer joy of witnessing the dramatic international congress of athletes. Other innovations included the first Olympic villages; the first use of a victory podium where flags of triumphant nations unfurled behind the championship contenders; the first time each nation’s official anthem was played at the awards ceremonies; the first time Black American women competed.” (Toohey,1984, p. 26)

Held from July 30 to August 14, the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics left a lasting legacy not just for itself but also for the most impressive performance of the Philippines since 1924 where three bronze medals were won by Filipinos from athletics, boxing, and swimming.

THE WIN AND OTHER MORE VICTORIES

Teofilo Yldefonso serves as the manual to the Filipino athletes when it comes to Olympic glory.

He makes a third of the winning trio of the 1932 Philippine team with clinching a bronze in the men’s 200-m breaststroke.

Prior to this feat, he became the first-ever Filipino to give the country a medal in the Games in the 1928 Amsterdam installment with a bronze in the same swimming category. His second bronze medal win established him as the only Filipino to repeat his own history to date.

An orphan at an early age, he started out his young life in Piddig, Ilocos Norte along with his siblings who fended for themselves.

Little did the swimming world know that the amateur swimmer would modernize the backstroke technique through “bringing the stroke more to the surface of the water rather than under the water.”

Training without the supervision of a professional coach, the self-taught swimmer became the star of his time in addition to his Olympic titles. He reigned over the quadrennial Far Eastern Games from 1923 to 1934.

He also showed his unbeatable prowess for five times between 1929 and 1939 in the Philippines versus Formosa Dual Meets.

Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISOFH) in 2010, his decorated career still stands significant yet to be beaten. Simeon Torribio did not see himself as a sportsman nor becoming a legend of Philippine Athletics.

His bronze finish in the 1932 installment of the most prestigious sports tilt in the world may be the peak of his achievements, but the realization of his stellar path took place when he became determined in the sport.

His being lanky, and his refusal one time to avoid trimming the lawn as a schoolboy, catapulted him into the field of high jump according to a chronicle by sportswriter Eddie Alinea.

He subsequently immersed himself and won regional and national meets.

He made it to the national team in 1927 with the conduct of the 8th Far Eastern Games (FEG) in Shanghai China sweeping the high jump event ahead of Katsunosuke Hattori and Susumu Hiraoka of Japan.

He would later on reign for the next two installments in Tokyo, Japan up until in Manila in 1934 with three titles in total.

He became the winningest high jumper in the FEG’s history.

His stint in the then-Asian Games earned him a slot in the 1928 edition of the Olympics in Amsterdam where he missed the chance of earning a medal but was able to beat Harold Osborne, an Olympic champion.

His placing fourth is a step closer, as four years later, he clinched a bronze medal in the Games.

Jose Villanueva completes the triumvirate by claiming the first Filipino distinction in the Games in the boxing arena.

He started what would soon be a five medal record for the country in boxing, including grooming his son, Anthony Villanueva who would earn a silver medal in the Games. He was born on March 19, 1913, and hailed from Binondo, Manila.

He competed in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics at the young age of 19 and won over Joseph Lang for the bronze in the bantamweight division.

Villanueva defeated Akira Nakao of Japan in the quarterfinals first and then lost to Horace Grace of Canada prior.

LIFE AFTER THE GAMES

The road of the successful staging of the Xth Olympiad that served as the platform for these Filipino athletes to shine is not a perfect one.

“It was the only city that applied to host the Olympics, as the world was in the midst of a terrible economic depression. Los Angeles was awarded the Games by acclamation at the 22nd IOC session on 8 April 1923. Only 37 nations attended, the first time the number of competing nations had not increased at an Olympics. There were 1,326 competing athletes (1,200 men and 126 women). The Depression and the travel distance from Europe kept the international turnout low. Less than half as many athletes competed as in 1928, as many nations sent only small squads.” (Mallon &Buchanan, 2006, lxxi)

This is not far from the lives of these Filipino heroes after their feat.

Teofilo Yldefonso had to face the Death March as he stood with Filipino and American soldiers in 1942 in the Fall of Bataan. He could have saved his life when Lt. Yoshiyuki Tsuruta his former rival in the 200-meter breaststroke category in the Olympics learned of his presence.

Tsuruta, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and serving the Imperial Japanese Navy, ordered his release.

Yldefonso, however, refused to leave his comrades who fought for the country during the Second World War.

At 39, he died in the concentration camp in Capas, Tarlac. Simeon Toribio also became active in the guerilla movement during the Japanese occupation. He served in Central Luzon as part of the forced under Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Price Ramsey.

He evaded the eventual consequences of his arrest when his Japanese captor saw a souvenir from him presented by the Japanese Emperor in the 1930 Far Eastern Games.

Jose Villanueva then went on to become a boxing trainer and did not go back to the ring again as an athlete.

He molded his son, Anthony Villanueva as his protégé and also

trained Pancho Villa, the first Filipino world boxing champion.

ENDURING VALUES

The Filipino glory of the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics is a testament to the Filipino spirit and character which make the greater part of the success.

Teofilo Yldefonso swam the rivers in order to train himself whereas an expert coach could have helped him. As a part of the 57th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts, he used the available make-shift pools to train and went on to represent the country for the third time in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

His determination shines through even more with his loyalty and love of country until his last breath.

Simeon Toribio stayed in the United States to pursue Civil Engineering at the University of Southern Carolina.

He was awarded as Asia’s Greatest Athlete in 1930 and had his name engraved in the Olympic Tableau de Honneur.

This persistence to improve one’s self and to serve several purposes in life was highlighted when he set to work under the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation.

He also served the government as a congressman of Bohol from 1946 to 1953.

To have excelled in life as an athlete, a civil engineer, and a lawmaker shows that anyone can dream as long as s/he is willing to work for it.

Jose Villanueva, upon stepping out of the ring, trained other aspiring boxers, including his son, to achieve outstanding records in boxing.

This willingness to impart the knowledge and skills for the generations to come deserves recognition for all aspiring athletes to come.

This all shows us that every triumph of a Filipino athlete is the result of a heart that sees no insurmountable hurdle or impossible challenge – only a golden dream.

by Jeremielle Valeriano

Wong shared some tips on how to be champions like them while also imparting some of their personal experiences from the sport. “Just seeing how the country is doing and how badly the Filipinos are affected in this pandemic, makes me want me to do something about it.” said Lim. “We want to start this fundraiser and give back to the people.” shared Wong. The donations benefitted patients under investigation (PUIs) and COVID-19 positive confined at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and

other health centers in Quezon City. Lim, a summa cum laude graduate at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman and daughter of PBA Legend Samboy Lim, served as an inspiration to other people especially to the youth during these tough times. “I believe that being a true champion athlete means having a passion to serve your country. On a smaller scale, following the rules already make a big difference while on the bigger scale, reaching out to people who need help like patients and frontliners, among others, help in our fight against COVID 19. So really, it’s the discipline and having the heart to help others that will get us through this battle.” said the lady karateka. Wong believed that the values she got from wushu motivated her a lot to not stop helping other people in need, “The value I got from my sport was always discipline and patience especially in the time like this.” They also thanked the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for giving them support. “Thank you so much for your continued support to us athletes! Even if we can’t train, we still receive our monthly allowance, which is a big help to all of us, especially in these trying times! And thank you for giving us the platform to share our thoughts and ideas that may hopefully inform and inspire others.” said Lim. Wong said she “would like to thank the PSC for showing their undying support to us athletes. They know the situation and what most of our athletes are going through. Most of our athletes, they count only on the allowance from the PSC. I’m grateful kasi it helps. It’s a great deal for us.” Lim and Wong took the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of all the frontline workers risking their lives and sacrificing time with their families just to protect people and win against COVID-19 challenges.

“So much respect to you guys who come to work every day and putting your safety on the line to save others. Thank you for your selfless sacrifice and service each day. You are our true heroes! Mabuhay kayo!” said Lim. “I would just like to thank them (frontliners) from the depths of my heart. I know they are tired. I would have told them to never give up kasi even though the end is not near, we will always win in this battle against COVID-19.” said Wong.

PAULINE LOPEZ – “Girls Got This”

Philippine taekwondo darling and two-time SEA Games champion Pauline Louise Lopez joined a fund drive for COVID-19 relief efforts partnering with 30th SEAG karate gold medalist Joane Orbon and FundLIfe International. The said fundraiser helped out girls affected by the global Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. “We have this blessing to be in a safe space in our homes and if I can give even just a fraction of what I have, I would want that for those girls. I want to encourage others to do the same. I believed that in some way we can make a big difference.” shared Lopez. She also expressed her gratitude to all working in the front lines during this global health scare including her sister who works as a nurse in the U.S. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart and we’ll show our gratitude by continuing to stay home and stay safe.” said Lopez. Though miles away from her family, Lopez remained positive and productive by using this platform to help those who are suffering from COVID-19. “During this time, I believed that being positive gets me through the day. At the same time, I have set a schedule and routine to remain productive just like how I did before COVID-19.” Lopez said. Lopez also acknowledged the effort of the sports agency during these tough times, “To PSC, we continue to thank you for the support especially during these trying times.” As the world faces this ‘new normal’, Lopez encouraged all her fellow national athletes to remain productive and to use this moment to reflect so together we can heal as one. “To the fellow athletes, we will heal as one. For now, let’s focus on remaining fit and healthy and along with this, it’s a great time to self-reflect, not just in our respective athletic field but on how we can be a better person and on how we can empathize with what’s going on in the world.” said Lopez. There are many more stories of athletes championing others in this time of crisis. All of them show that once the heart of a champion is in a person, he will always find ways to win over challenges.

Sports values are engraved in the hearts of our national athletes.Dedication, focus, team work, a culture of winning. All of these came together to show how the hearts of true champions shine through whether as athletes or as simple citizens trying to make a difference in the world.

THE HEART OF A CHAMPION:

The biggest names in Philippine sports showed they are champions in and off the field of play,

as members of the national team championed people needing help by stepping up and helping others in their own way, during this pandemic.

Here are stories which show proof that sports builds up more than just medal athletes, but also model citizens.

MAXINE ISABEL ESTEBAN – “A Small Thing Goes a Long Way” Maxine, a fencer, organized a fundraiser for the front liners and the community. “We did our fundraising to help the front liners and the affected communities. We realized that we have a responsibility to help our community” said Esteban. Esteban’s fund drive – “A Small Thing Goes a Long Way” raised P500,000 worth of cash and other donations – the total amount includes her entire 2019 allowance from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and cash incentive for winning a bronze medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. The donations were enough to provide face shields, alcohol, rice packs, and pillows to their chosen beneficiaries which included the University of Santo

Tomas (UST) Hospital, National Children’s Hospital (NCH), San Juan City Hall, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, and UERM Memorial Medical Center. Aside from cash donations, Esteban also auctioned off her paintings.

“I am very pleased and happy that I was able to utilize my influence and connections as an athlete to reach out to generous hearts around the world and be able to help, in our small way. COVID-19 crisis will always be remembered as the

“villain” in this moment of our lives, but I believed that God has used it to create and restore something beautiful. We just have to let Him.” Esteban said. “And to my fellow athletes, continue striving for excellence. Use your talents and influence for the greater good of our society. This pandemic may have temporarily halted our dreams and aspirations, but it will not extinguish the fire within us. Use this period to reflect, to rest, to enjoy, to help, to be productive in other ways, and to pray.” said Maxine, showing not only a gold medal fencer but one who has a heart of gold.

JAMIE LIM and AGATHA WONG – “PUSO: The Battle against COVID-19” Two of the best female martial artists of Team Philippines – Jamie Christine Lim and Agatha Chrystenzen Wong, teamed up to raise money for COVID-19 relief. National karateka Lim has punched a gold medal in the women’s 61-kilogram Kumite category during her debut in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games while wushu star Wong also made a stellar performance after winning two gold medals in the 30th biennial meet. These champion athletes started the fund drive – “PUSO: The Battle against COVID-19” in April. It was a five-episode Instagram live series where Lim and

by Arianne Mallare

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.2 Manila, Philippines Pages 19-20

“The value Igot from my sport

was always discipline

and patience especially in the time like

this.”

national athletes extend help during pandemic

yung nakakatulong ka sa kapwa mo,” said Enrique. He was requested to stay as the crisis called for his experience, to ensure that the PHILSPORTS Complex is kept operating smoothly – and its precious residents safe. A t h i s

age, Enrique is well-aware that he has a higher risk of getting the dreaded virus. However, he still accepted the assignment to serve the agency in this difficult time. “Senior na po ako at talagang prone na ako sa sakit na yan. Kaso tawag po ito ng aking tungkulin, hindi ko po ito pwedeng talikuran,” said Enrique. A native of Camarines Sur, he used to work as a fisherman until he decided to look for better opportunities in Manila to support his family’s needs. “Napakalaking tulong ng PSC sa buhay ko. Yung pitong anak ko ay napag-aral ko lahat, katas lahat ng PSC yun,” Enrique said. Jessica Subteniente - a frontline nurse & a mom Subteniente is a single parent and a nurse working on the frontlines for the PSC clinic at PhilSports Complex in this COVID-19 crisis. She is making sure that stranded national athletes and coaches at PSC dormitory in Pasig City the time of the lockdown are well-taken care of during this global health scare. “Siguro ito yung plan ni God na kaya ako nandito is to help and to embrace kung anong meron tayo. Wala po akong regrets na nandito po ako sa frontlines ngayon,” said Subteniente. Subteniente, along with other health professionals of the PSC Medical Scientific Athletes Services (PSC-MSAS), went beyond the call of duty to serve the remaining national athletes, coaches, security personnel, maintenance team and PSC staff under skeleton workforce.

However, this also meant she has to be miles away from her son and family who are all in Naga, Camarines Sur. “Ito po yung pinakamahirap na duty na naranasan ko. Bukod sa nakakatakot po itong pandemic, hindi ko rin po makasama ngayon yung pamilya ko lalo na po yung anak ko.” she added.

Despite everything that happened due to COVID-19, Nurse Jessica is staying positive and strong as she gets inspiration and strength from her son, “Yung son ko ang source of strength ko. I love him so much.” said Subteniente.

Reina Evangelista – PhilSports Administrator Miss Queenie, as she is so fondly called by many, Reina Evangelista is the Administrator of PhilSports Complex in Pasig City. She has been on duty since the PSC’s closing of its facilities to the public since the lockdown.

“Serbisyo sa bayan ang talagang objective namin. Kapag ikaw ay nagta-trabaho sa gobyerno, serbisyo sa bayan ang gagawin mo. We give our service to sports, to our athletes and coaches.” explained Evangelista.

She mans the complex along with the skeleton workforce, security, and maintenance team while ensuring the safety and order inside the sports facility.

”We regularly do our update and maintenance. We see to it that the surroundings of the PhilSports Complex are clean. Ang maganda naman dito sa mga natirang empleyado namin, they are very positive despite what is going on right now.” said Evangelista. Though it is still uncertain when this crisis will be over, Evangelista believes there is always a silver lining. “In times like this, you have to be positive and to have faith in God that something better will come out soon.” said the lady administrator.

These men and women remind us that hope, kindness, loyalty and service to the country are still alive. They are beacons of light shining through even in the darkest moments of our lives.

As the good book said, the darkness will never put out the light.

Heroesat thefrontlinesby Arianne Mallare

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has undeniably changed our lives forever. Among many things, it taught

us to be humble and to appreciate what we have right now – our family, friends, work, skills and convictions.

As the famous Filipino line goes, “bayan muna, bago ang sarili.” This is the very thing that drives many of us to make the difficult choices. For the frontline workers of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the choice is a mission. A mission to serve whatever the situation.

It took them from the comfort of their homes and took a rare-as-a-blue-moon chance to enjoy an extended stay with their loved ones. They kept on nonetheless, as the bravest soldiers in the battlefield against COVID-19.

Get to know the PSC’s modern-day heroes!

Manny Bitog – leading the way

Manny Bitog, 58, has been with the PSC for 20 years. He heads the frontlines at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila.

Along with the skeleton force of PSC, he has been on top of things since the nationwide lockdown.

“Each PSC personnel ay may assignment. Some are assigned to check attendance during mealtime, facilities maintenance, receive property supplies and donations, cleaning of premises as well as being the link to the medics manning the NAS and the RMC facilities.” shared Bitog. The Ninoy Aquino Stadium (NAS) and the Rizal Memorial Coliseum (RMC) have been turned into temporary COVID-19 medical facility. At 58, Bitog never tires of working with the young force

of the Commission, teaching and guiding them along the way.

“I am happy and I have no complaint. This challenging time teaches us to understand one another and to be there for each other,” said Bitog.

Ricardo Enrique Sr. – a senior citizen at the frontlines 65-year-old Ricardo Enrique Sr. works as a venue manager at PhilSports Complex in Pasig City. Enrique was ready to retire last April 12 after nearly 30 years with the PSC, however, he decided to stay at the frontlines and continue serving the athletes even beyond his retirement. “Masarap sa pakiramdam na sa ganitong edad ko ay nasa frontlines pa rin ako. Mas masarap sa pakiramdam

“Each PSC personnel ay may assignment. Some are assigned to check

attendance during mealtime, facilities maintenance,

receive property supplies and donations, cleaning of premises as well as being

the link to the medics manning the NAS and the

RMC facilities.”

“Masarap sa pakiramdam

nasa ganitong edad ko ay

nasa frontlines pa rinako. Mas

masarap sa pakiramdam

yung nakakatulong ka sa kapwa mo.”

“In times like this, you have to be positive and to have faith in God

that something better will come

out soon.”

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.2 Manila, Philippines Pages 21-22

THE PODIUM 2020 • Volume 5. No.2 Manila, Philippines Pages 23-24

The Philippine Sports Commision is beyond grateful to its partners who continue to lend a helping hand in this challenging time.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation or PAGCOR, though financially impacted by the lockdowns, still remits part of its income to the agency. This helps in sustaining the allowance of the national team.

Private entities such as Milo Philippines and Otsuka Solar Philippines lent their support thru in kind donations given to the stranded athletes, PSC frontliners and other activities of the PSC.

We also thank other government and private partners which extended help to the PSC and the national team since the start of the lockdown: • Mr. Ting Ledesma of the Philippine Table Tennis Federation• Ms. Lailani Velasco of the Philippine Swimming Inc.• Ms. Carissa Coscolluela of the Equestrian Association of the Philippines and the Philippines Red Cross• Dr. Albert Quintos• Congressman Mark Sambar• Mr. Carl Sambrano of the Skateboarding of Roller Sports Association of the Philippines• Ms. Karen Caballero and the Pilipinas Sepak Takraw Association• Coloveborative Support 2020• Department of Information and Communications Technology• Ramen Nagi

THANK YOU PSC PARTNERS