PHILIPPINE Sports Commission chairman Richard "Dickie" Bachmann vowed to take care of the national athletes, and it will start by making sure that there will be no delays in the release of their monthly allowances.
Dickie Bachmann on athletes' monthly allowances
Bachmann attended his first flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday morning since being appointed as PSC chairman, where he promised that the release of the athletes’ monthly allowances will be given on time.
Bachmann is serious in fulfilling his promise that he said he will hold his own salary as PSC chairman if there is a delay.
“If there is any delay of allowances of any athletes, paki-delay rin ‘yung salary ko,” said Bachmann during his speech in front of the PSC employees. “Give me the names of the athletes and the NSAs, ako na ang maghahabol. What I mean is, there will be no delays in allowances. I’m going to make it happen.”
Bachmann also said he also plans to take up to the PSC board on the possibility that the athletes be given free meals.
“I want to bring back the libreng meals for the athletes,” said Bachmann, who was joined in the flag raising ceremony by PSC commissioner Bong Coo, Walter Torres, and Ed Hayco.
Last week, Bachmann was appointed as the 12th chairman of the PSC, replacing Noli Eala after four months. Prior to this stint as PSC chairman, Bachmann was a player, assistant coach, team manager, and eventually, team governor of Alaska before the franchise was purchased by Converge last year.
Bachmann also served as PBA 3x3 chairman and UAAP basketball commissioner before being appointed as PSC chairman.
Bachmann said he is also firm that he will be a true public servant to the sports community, particularly on the athletes.
“I want to show everyone that I am here to be of service. Period. No personal agenda. I am here to serve the national athletes, the NSAs, and the PSC organization. To be of service means that there is no delays in the financial support that PSC provides. ‘Yun ang pinaka-urgent na bagay para makatulong.
“Dapat, as much as possible, walang delay sa pagre-release ng allowances. I also understand na hindi naman natin kasalanan. Sometimes, kapag may delay ang allowance, usually, may mga requirements na kailangan sa NSA,” said Bachmann.
Bachmann also promised to work on the ground in order to know the true situation of the national athletes.
“Your chairman works best when I’m on the ground, talking, and listening to people who we are supposed to serve,” said Bachmann, a former athlete himself. “I am used to having meetings in the dugouts, training rooms, swimming pool, at sa basketball court. I don’t want to be the chairman na nasa opisina lang, and having courtesy calls. I would rather go to the athlete, go to their practice, and observe.”
Bachmann also said he will take care of the PSC employees.
“I want you to know that the PSC staff is also my priority. Kayo rin are my MVPs because of the work you do to support our athletes. My door is open if anyone wants to share feedback, if you have concerns, issues, or suggestions,” Bachmann said.
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