By Lynde Salgados
Correspondent
GIVEN a fresh mandate, newly-elected Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association chairman in Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez from Cagayan de Oro is confident the Patafa will make a difference in the sporting world.
After its election on November 13, Rodriguez said the newly elected board members are preparing to improve and expand support to Filipino track and field athletes for advanced training here and abroad, provide financial assistance and foster career opportunities.
“With the recent achievements of our track and field athletes in the South East Asian Games and 2021 Tokyo Olympics, we are confident that our performance in the international athletics will significantly improve. Patafa is here to help our Filipino athletes win in international competitions and bring honor to our country,” he said.
Patafa, originally known as the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association, was founded as a non-stock corporation on December 14, 1962.
The association’s primary goal is to promote track and field as an amateur sport starting from the grassroots level and organize and manage any athletics events.
Dr. Philip Ella Juico, the former head of the Philippine Sports Commission, was re-elected as president.
Meanwhile, Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go continues to serve as the group’s honorary chairman.
The organization also elected businessman Rommel Sytin as secretary-general; Agapito Capistrano, executive vice president; Atty Melinda diaz-Salcedo, corporate secretary; Engr. Noel Silva, treasurer; and Elmer Ngo, auditor.
The trustees are former Oriental Mindoro governor Dr. Benjamin Espiritu; Cebu businessman Felix O. Tiukinhoy Jr; Ilagan City Mayor Josemarie Diaz; sportsman Rafaelito Villavicencio; Joseph Anton Bengzon; Jaime Villegas; Datu Yusoph Mama; Dr. Guillermo Torres Jr; Atty. Roberto Uy and former Patafa president Go Teng Kok.
The group, Rodriguez said, is determined to uphold the world athletics and Olympic values of honesty, transparency, ethical use of science, hard work, and the judicious use of its resources for its athletes’ success and character development.
