The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has released the list of approved personnel for detailed service to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) as they prepare for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.
A total of 117 athletes and coaches from 22 sports are enlisted personnel: 58 under Air Force, 19 in the Army and 40 serving the Navy.
PSC chairman Butch Ramirez thanked Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana through the Office of the Chief of Special Service in the AFP in this development and highlighted the importance of enlisted national team members complying with the agreement between the PSC, AFC, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC).
The PSC, POC, PCC and the AFP will have a formal signing of the Memorandum of Agreement covering the “management, development and training of identified and potential soldier-athletes” on May 20.
“Ipinaubaya sila sa sports through the Philippine Sports Commission. They don't just go fly anywhere without consulting us. Dapat maintindihan ito ng atleta na kapag miyembro sila ng Armed Forces at pinirmahan ni Secretary Lorenzana at ng kanilang mga officers, ipinagkatiwala sila sa amin. Karamihan sa kanila baka hindi alam na the Philippine Sports Commission takes responsibility para ma DS sila. Nagpapasalamat kami sa partnership na yan,” said Ramirez.
Among those reportedly on the list are veterans Marestella Torres of athletics, triathlete Claire Adorna, boxer Josie Gabuco and weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz.