Reelected Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino promised to further defend the Olympic motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger-Together” during a recent get-together with national sports association officials.
“Let us continue to strive for greater heights in the spirit of teamwork and perfection,” Tolentino said during the event in Pasay City.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all members of the Philippine Olympic Committee. Your dedication, hard work and unity have been instrumental in shaping the success of Philippine sports this year.”
Under Tolentino’s term, the Philippines won its first Olympic gold medal courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo in Tokyo (2020+1) and got two gold medals from gymnast Carlos Yulo at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Together, we have overcome challenges, celebrated victories and strengthened our commitment to supporting our athletes and nation. Thank you for your unwavering passion and service,” Tolentino, also Tagaytay City mayor and PhilCycling president, said.
Present were newly-elected POC auditor Donaldo Caringal (volleyball) and Executive Board members Leonora Escollante (canoe-kayak-dragon boat), Leah Gonzalez (fencing), Alvin Aguilar (wrestling), Ferdinand Agustin (jiu-jitsu), Alexander Sulit (judo), and secretary-general lawyer Wharton Chan (kickboxing).
Ramon Suzara, president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and Asian Volleyball Federation, also attended the celebration along with Cynthia Carrion and Rowena Eusuya of gymnastics, lawyer Billy Sumagui of cycling, Karen Caballero of sepak takraw, Marcus Manalo of boxing and Nikko Huelgas of the Athletes Commission.
Olympic boxing medalists Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Felix Marcial joined karate president Richard Lim, table tennis head Ting Ledesma, Rolan Llamas (kurash), Reynald Tiangco (tennis), Imelda Regencia (ice hockey) Jobert Yu and Brian Benjamin Lim (esports), Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem (handball), Becky Garcia (dancesports), Paolo Tancontian (sambo), and Gina Avecilla (bowling).
Likewise in attendance were Jop Malonzo (vovinam), Chressibel Atienza (wushu), Raul Samson (taekwondo), Jarryd Bello (curling), Charlie Ho (netball), Jonne Go (hockey), Aniceto Facundo II (skateboarding), Red Dumuk (pickleball), Jasper Tanhueco (athletics) and Jezreel Apelar (ski and snowboarding). (PNA)