Delegation head eyes good working ties with PSC for Asiad

Joey Romasanta is hoping to have a good working relationship with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) as he embarks on the role of chief of mission for the RP team to the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. “I’m looking forward to effectively collaborate with the PSC regarding the country’s preparations for the Asian Games," said Romasanta, also the POC spokesman.

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the PSC are at odds over almost every sports issue so Romasanta said he looks at a proper cooperation with the government sports agency that will be tasked to fund the country’s campaign in Guangzhou. “The POC and the PSC can work together. And in times like the Asian Games, we really need coordination in such a big event," the newly-appointed delegation head said. POC president Jose “Peping" Cojuangco has announced the appointment of Romasanta during his weekly radio program last week. “I think he (Romasanta) deserves it and he knows what to do. After all, he was the head of the Gintong Alay," said Cojuangco. Romasanta headed the Project: Gintong Alay, a predecessor of the PSC, from 1986 to 1988 under the administration of President Corazon Aquino. He also headed the softball association in the 1980s and was the attache in the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 2006 Doha Asian Games. He is currently the deputy president of the Philippine Karatedo Federation (PKF). “It’s a pleasant surprise for me," said Romasanta. “It’s a distinct honor to be appointed as chief of mission." Romasanta will oversee the administrative work before and during the Asian Games set November 12 to 27 in Guangzhou, China wherein 42 sports will be played. He is batting for an early formation of the secretariat that would jumpstart the country’s preparations for the 2010 Asiad. “We’ll form a secretariat as early as possible to attend to the needs of the national sports associations (NSAs)," said Romasanta. Team Philippines will be looking to surpass its four-gold medal haul during the Doha Asian Games four years ago. - GMANews.TV