NEWS
Ramirez: PH’s sports success a result of hard work, sacrifices of athletes, coaches
June 14, 2022 4:00 p.m.
THE OUTSTANDING success of Philippine sports in major competitions, highlighted by weighlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s historic gold in the Tokyo Olympics, the last six years was not by chance or conjured out of thin air, stressed Philippine Sports Commission chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez on Tuesday.
“These achievements were not done by magic. Hindi ito tsamba,” noted Ramirez in what he described as his ‘exit interview’ during a solo appearance in the first face-to-face Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum in over two years at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex administration building audio visual room in Manila.
“Kung wala kang itinanim, wala ka rin aanihin,” added the PSC honcho of the hundreds of millions of pesos the government sports agency has poured into elite sports and national athletes that led to the country’s fruitful campaigns overseas.
“I was blessed that we had the money when I came back as PSC chairman and knew the need of our national athletes since I stayed with them at the Philsports Complex dorms in Pasig,” said Ramirez in the session backed by San Miguel Corporation (SMC), MILO, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, Unilever, Amelie Hotel Manila, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
He disclosed the PSC invested P600 million in elite sports at the start of his second term in 2016, P800 million in 2017, then over P1 billion in 2019 as the national athletes primed themselves for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
The fruits of that investments resulted in the country bagging four golds, two silvers and five bronzes in the highly-competitive 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, recapturing the SEA Games overall crown in 2019 at home with 149 gold, 117 silver and 121 bronze medals, and its first gold medal in the Olympics in Tokyo last year courtesy of the heroics of Diaz.
Counting the Olympic silver medals of boxers Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, and the bronze of fellow fighter Felix Eumir Marcial, the Tokyo Olympic edition was the best Philippine outing in the quadrennial Summer Games since Filipinos made their debut in the 1900 Paris Olympics.
“These so-called golden years of Philippines was the result of the hard work and sacrifices of our athletes and coaches. And it was people’s money, taxpayer’s money that made it all possible,” Ramirez underscored.
“The PSC has not been remiss in supporting our Philippine delegations to overseas competitions. This has been very, very clear,” he said, adding that the feats were a “collaborative effort of the PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, and National Sports Associations.”
To sustain the gains in Philippine sports in the next six years, Ramirez said the new leaders of the agency should learn how to adapt to the changing conditions
“One of the most important pillars of management is adaptability. Our leaders need to be alert and adapt to the times. Hindi puwedeng patulog-tulog,” he said.
“We have to provide money, provide proper support for our sports such as sports science and provide good governance by our leaders. You will not achieve this high level of performance in international competition without these provisions,” the PSC chief explained.
Ramirez said he was ready to step down at the end of the month after more than two decades of being associated with PSC, beginning as commissioner in 1998 under the administration of the late chairman Carlos Tuason.
“I am ready to return to Davao but am willing to be an adviser and share my experience and knowhow with the incoming PSC leadership,” the 72-year-old Davao City native said.
NEWS
BFAR, British Embassy Manila advance fisheries innovation, global collaboration in SAFET 2026
8:30 a.m. July 20, 2026
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) and the British Embassy Manila have partnered to co-host the Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies (SAFET) Conference 2026, set from September 8 to 10 in Cebu.
The event will bring together world-leading expertise from the UK’s Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) with on-ground operational experience from the Philippines to advance sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, responsible seafood sourcing, blue finance linked to marine protected areas, and emerging opportunities from marine energy
The partnership underscores a shared commitment between the Philippines and the United Kingdom to tackle the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific fisheries sector.
“SAFET 2026 reflects the Philippines’ commitment to building a modern fisheries sector where technology directly benefits both people and the environment. Through collaboration with global partners, we aim to accelerate practical innovations that strengthen fisheries governance, improve seafood traceability, conserve marine resources, and create better opportunities for our fisherfolk and coastal communities,” said BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig.
“We welcome our partners from around the world to join us in Cebu as we work together to turn innovation into meaningful action,” said Inga Wise, SAFET Executive Director.
“We cannot solve the complex challenges facing our oceans in silos. The SAFET Conference is a unique convergence point where market-driven technology meets government initiative. By bringing global tech innovators to the table alongside fisheries authorities, we are fostering the exact partnerships needed to build transparent, resilient seafood supply chains and secure thriving coastal livelihoods for the future,” she added.
Through SAFET 2026, BFAR and the British Embassy Manila will facilitate dialogue that includes coastal communities, technology developers, and policy-makers, ensuring that new tools are accessible, scalable, and tailored to the needs of the local fisheries sector.
“The challenges facing global fisheries require stronger partnerships and smarter solutions. SAFET 2026 provides a unique platform where governments, scientists, technology innovators, industry leaders, and fishing communities can work together to transform promising technologies into practical actions that strengthen the fisheries sector. We are proud that the Philippines is hosting this important global conversation and invite everyone to join us in shaping the future of sustainable fisheries,” said Philippine Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate.
Advancing the Digital Shift
SAFET’s conference theme “From Innovation to Implementation: Powering Responsible Fisheries, Markets, and Livelihoods,” reflects the Philippine fisheries sector’s shift from manual processes to a comprehensive digital ecosystem.
BFAR is currently leading this transition by deploying cutting-edge tools, among them the Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability System (eCDTS) and the Fisheries Integrated Information Management Center – Vessel Monitoring System (FIIMC-VMS).
By integrating the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite observation, and IoT-enabled monitoring, the Bureau is actively strengthening law enforcement, combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and ensuring that Philippine seafood meets the highest international trade standards.
As the Philippines advances its digital transformation, SAFET 2026 reaffirms the country’s growing leadership in science-based fisheries management and its commitment to building a resilient, transparent, and prosperous future for all Filipino stakeholders. #
NEWS
Jordan Brand announces return of The One Tournament for 2026
4:11 p.m. July 19, 2026
Jordan Brand is running it back for the next iteration of The One—its premier one-on-one basketball tournament celebrating the intersection of the game, court culture, and community. In 2026, it’s louder, faster, and on a larger global stage.
As The One continues to grow, it remains rooted in a singular idea: to show who’s next and inspire a new generation to take their turn. At its core, The One reflects an incredible origin story. The inspiration is born from Michael Jordan’s legendary one-on-one battles, where every loss fueled something greater. That same mentality lives on in every matchup, every move, and every moment of this tournament.
In the Philippines, The One returns following a breakout year that saw young Filipino hoopers capture attention through fearless performances, underdog runs, and moments that resonated far beyond the court. In that inaugural edition, De La Salle Zobel and Gilas Youth standout Bonn Earvin Daja and UAAP Juniors Season 88 MVP Riri Perez crushed it to win the men’s and women’s tournament, while Perez and men’s finalist JM Tumabang from Adamson University High School went on to chase greatness in the global tournament in New York.
For 2026, the competition expands with two regional qualifying events across Cebu (25 July) and Manila (28-29 July) and a national qualifier at Jordan store, Metro Manila (1 August), opening the stage to even more athletes across the country. Ballers will be tested not just on skill, but on resilience, instinct and presence: the qualities that define greatness.
Following the national qualifiers, the 4 best athletes (2 male, 6 female) will compete in a ‘Final Elimination’ round on the 8thAugust at Jordan store in Metro Manila. They will go head-to-head in fierce competition and from this, two ballers (1 male, 1 female) who rise above the rest will earn a place on the ultimate stage: The One Global Finals, on August 29, 2026 in Shanghai.
To give them the best chance at the Philippines ballers taking the crown on the global stage, Jordan Brand are setting these two ballers up with an incredible training and mentor journey. Over the three weeks before the big competition, they will get the chance to train and learn from both Kiefer Ravena and Lethal Shooter, giving them an edge over the rest.
Registration for the Philippine qualifiers opens on July 18. Open to boys and girls ages 14 to 18, the tournament challenges hoopers to embrace pressure, showcase individuality, and compete for global recognition.
Alongside the competition at each stop will be programming that underlines how basketball influences the world beyond the court, including live performances, athlete appearances, and many other surprises along the way.
For ballers, register now: https://www.jordanbrandtheone.com/
NEWS
Canon PH renews support for Philippine Red Cross to aid Mindanao Earthquake Relief and Recovery
6:19 p.m. July 13, 2026
Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. (CMP), together with Canon Business Service Centre Phils., Inc. (CBSC), has renewed its partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to support relief and recovery efforts for communities affected by the recent earthquake in Mindanao, including Sarangani and General Santos City.
The donation underscores Canon’s continued commitment to standing with Filipino communities in times of crisis and delivering timely assistance to those in need.
“Our commitment to the philosophy of Kyosei means standing together with communities, especially in times of uncertainty,” said Anuj Aggarwal, President and CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. “Through our continued partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, we hope to bring not only essential relief but also hope to families as they recover and rebuild their lives. We are honored to support the invaluable work of the Philippine Red Cross in reaching those who need it most.”
Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon welcomed Canon’s continued support, highlighting the impact of sustained collaboration between the private sector and humanitarian organizations in disaster response.
“We are grateful to Canon for its continued partnership with the Philippine Red Cross,” said Gordon. “Canon has consistently demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian action, having also extended its support during the Cebu earthquake response. Together, we can provide timely relief and help communities recover stronger from times of crisis.”
Guided by its corporate philosophy of Kyosei, living and working together for the common good, Canon remains committed to supporting initiatives that create meaningful, lasting impact. Through this partnership, Canon reaffirms its commitment to helping Mindanao earthquake-affected communities recover, rebuild, and emerge stronger.
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