KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

Richard Bachmann on Tuesday, Jan. 31, laid down plans to answer the immediate needs of the national athletes as he marked his first month as chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Among those plans are enhancing the training facilities, making sure that allowances are released on time, and providing them free meals.

These proposals came after spending his first few weeks going around and spending time with various national teams in Batangas, Baguio City and Metro Manila.

“I’ve always been saying that I’m a hands-on type of person. I don’t wanna be a chairman stuck in the office. I want to be the one going to them. I actually encouraged our commissioners to do the same and go out and meet the athletes,” said Bachmann during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“It’s perfect because it’s budget time. That way, we can assess what needs to be done,” he added.

Bachmann also assured that the budget for upcoming major events such as the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia in May are all taken care of.

“There is no problem with the SEA Games budget. There shouldn’t be an issue because we have already set aside a budget for those,” Bachmann said.

“We have also been working together with the POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) in all events particularly for the 2024 Paris Olympics.”

Bachmann also stressed that he is not in the business of issuing forecasts or medal predictions as the national athletes gear up for major international competitions this year. 

“My focus will be on the athletes and make sure their needs are taken care of. I’m not thinking of how many medals or how well we will do,” said Bachmann in the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, MILO, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

 “Just make it simple. Focus on the athletes and their concerns and nothing else. Right now I’m focused on fixing everything. If I help the athletes, then everything will follow,” he said.

 The former La Salle Green Archer said he will make it a point to visit the athletes and see for himself how they are being treated – from their living quarters to the mess hall.