RP aquatics chief, 4 others earn key posts in Southeast Asia Swimming Federation

Philippine Aquatics Sports Association (PASA) president Mark Joseph is now a key official in the Southeast Asian Swimming Federation (SEASF). During the SEASF election held in Singapore, Joseph was elected as the federation's secretary-general with no less than top FINA representatives from Americas and Asia in attendance. Four other local swimming officials were also elected to join different committees. Those elected were PASA Sec-Gen Ral Rosario (swimming), Luisity Mangahas (water polo), Marie Dimanche (diving committee) and Reina Suarez (synchronized swimming). Joseph said that the recognition by SEASF members on PASA officials is a testament to all the hard work they put up in enhancing the country’s swimming program. "This is all in line with our long term developmental program for Philippine swimming as recognized by our Southeast Asian neighbors," said Joseph. With five Filipino officials in the FINA's regional association, Joseph hopes to make sure that Filipino tankers will be given the equal opportunity to compete in the sport of aquatics. Philippine swimming is on the rise because of PASA's new programs. Proof of which is the rising number of young talented swimmers who have performed favorably in international competitions. Among them are Jessie King Lacuna and Jasmine Alkahldi, who broke qualifying times to be able to compete in the 1st Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. "They may have not won medals, but the exposure they got swimming against the best in their age group will help them improve in future competition," added Joseph. Even members of the national team continue to improve with Miguel Molina and Daniel Coakley shattering Philippine records in the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships. Molina eclipsed the 1991 RP record in the 100m breast held by Eric Buhain at 1:04.18 with a new time of 1:03.89 while Coakley erased the 25.81 seconds mark by Lorenzo Dee in the 50m butterfly with a new mark of 25.32 seconds. "Personally and on behalf of PASA family, we accept this as an opportunity to work hard for our respective sports and to improve the standard of Southeast Asia in Continental and World aquatics," added Joseph. – JVP, GMANews.TV