Even for just a short time, Noli Eala thanked President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for giving him an opportunity to serve the Filipino athletes as chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
In a statement Wednesday, Dec. 28, Eala confirmed that he would be leaving the PSC after only four months into the position following the appointment of Richard "Dickie" Bachmann as the new chairman.
“With all humility, I can say that I gave dignity and respect to the position of Chairman and worked tirelessly for Philippine sports,” the statement read.
“I wish to thank President Bongbong Marcos for affording me the chance to help Philippine Sports rise to greater heights. I serve under the pleasure of the president and I fully respect his decision.”
Eala also extended his gratitude to all sports leaders for giving him unwavering support and also wished the new chairman all the best.
“As I leave, I am at peace knowing that in the months I served, I cared for all our athletes and Philippine Sports like no other,” the statement read.
Under Eala’s administration, Filipino athletes achieved heights that include Hidilyn Diaz clinching the 2022 IWF World Weightlifting Championship gold medals in Colombia, Carlo Paalam’s golden romp at the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Jordan, Carlos Yulo’s silver and bronze-medal victories in the 51st FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, and world championships titles for jiu jitsu athletes Meggie Ochoa and Kimberly Anne Custodio, among others.
The PSC was also able to host again the Batang Pinoy National Championships in Ilocos Sur after a few years of hiatus due to the pandemic.
Bachmann’s appointment papers reached the PSC office on Wednesday, along with the tapping of new commissioners in Walter Torres and Edward Hayco.