Aquino urged to lead Azkals’ bid

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee (POC) chairman and former Bacolod representative Monico Puentevella has invited President Benigno Aquino III to lead the entire Filipino nation in supporting the Azkals -Philippine Football team up against Mongolia in the forthcoming football blockbuster AFC Challenge Cup in Panaad Stadium, Bacolod City on February 9.


"We were together in congress for six years and I have a good feeling he's going to accept our invitation and join the boys in Bacolod as the No.1 supporter," Puentevella said.

Puentevella, who is also a member of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Advisory Council, also added all hotel rooms in Bacolod are already booked and the stadium will be overflowing for sure, just like the last SEA Games in 2005.

Meanwhile, when the Azkals were invited by Aquino in Malacañang after their semi-final match against Indonesia in the AFF Suzuki Cup, the President has promised the team to support football and never again shall the country be embarrassed for not hosting an international competition due to lack of playing venue.

He was also given a blue jersey with No. 1 on it by the team as their token of appreciation.

On the other hand, the POC official was supposed to meet PFF President Mariano Araneta and other PFF officers to give a report on the present situation of the stadium Wednesday to Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, who has been giving his all out support to the preparation.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Ricardo Garcia, POC President Peping Cojuangco and Puentevella have likewise sent a request to President Aquino for hosting of games organized by AFC Challenge Cup.

Aside from President Aquino, among other personalities invited were Manny Pangilinan, Mizuno’s Benny Gopez and other business sponsors who have been helping the Azkals team.

The Azkals, meanwhile, held their first practice last night at the University of Makati under new German coach Hans Michael Weiss and supervised its Team Manager Dan Palami.

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on January 19, 2011.