Outgoing Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez expects strong leadership qualities in the next chief of the government sports body, traits he hopes will inspire the next generation of Filipino athletes in the next six years to perform excellently in the national and international stage.
Ramirez believes that the next chairman must be young and not just educated, but must be exposed to sports. He must also show dedication and dynamism, be a good manager, a father-figure and a good listener.
Having such qualities will help the PSC develop a better relationship with the athletes, coaches and the national sports associations.
“One of the most important pillars of management is adaptability. We have to be alert. Leaders from the NSAs, the Philippine Olympic Committee and the PSC must adapt to the times,” said Ramirez during Tuesday’s face-to-face session of the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Ramirez feels that the next PSC board must be able to have enough funds to sustain not only the elite programs, but also be able to provide for the grassroots activities of the agency as well.
“Hindi tulog-tulog. Handa dapat sa pagbabago sa budget na tumataas ang gastos, pagbabago sa coaching, sa sports at sa lahat,” added Ramirez.
The PSC chief said they are now preparing for a new set of board members and chairman to come in by the latter half of the month.
And they are now preparing to brief them of the guidelines that they have crafted over the last six years and the need to sustain them.
“Nakaplano na kami sa next leadership. We want them to just turn over the funds to the elite program, and the national athletes, then just focus on the grassroots, and the development of athletes,” said Ramirez.
Ramirez added the next chairman also needs to appreciate the value of sports science, since this helped the country succeed in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, the Tokyo Olympics and win numerous medals in the Vietnam SEA Games as well.
The scientific approach to training is possible with the help of the PSC’s Medical and Scientific Athlete Services.