Cebuano Montayre named head of PFF grassroots, youth committee

Cebu Daily News

THE FIRST meeting of the Board of Governors (BOG) of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) yesterday at the Sarrosa International Hotel and Residential Suites was declared successful with Glenn Caritativo of the Tarlac Football Association (FA) saying it was the best board meeting he has ever attended.

This was echoed by PFF chairman Mariano “Nono” Araneta (Iloilo FA) and Philippine Azkals team manager Dan Palami, who heads the Leyte FA. Araneta said they were able to discuss a lot of programs for the development of Philippine football.

“We can now move forward and look at the future of football in the country and with the entry of sponsors, we now have the resources to implement programs,” said Araneta right after the meeting was adjourned.

Palami, whose appointment as team manager of the Philippine Azkals was finally formalized, said the way the board conducted the meeting yesterday was an indication of where Philippine football is going.

“With the way the board discussed and resolved topics yesterday, Philippine football is in for a good ride. I am confident that football is here to stay,” Palami said.

Although his appointment did not mean that the PFF would compensate him for all the expenses for the Azkals that came out of his pockets, Palami said this does not matter because he is doing it for the love of the sport and the country.

Likewise, Araneta has declined receiving more compensation as chairman of the PFF.

Caritativo said that the PFF should make it known to the whole country that the federation is now under a new leadership with new members of the board, which means new hope for Philippine football.

Juan Luis Carpio, who heads the Naga FA also credited all football associations for removing Jose Mari Martinez, who did not do his job as chairman of the PFF.

The first BOG meeting was attended by all of its 12 members except one, Ramon Manlunas of the Bukidnon FA, as he was attending prior commitments.

NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS

With the new PFF administration, various national tournaments will be undertaken as soon as next month or early March.

National tournaments will be conducted in the Under-16, U19 and U23, which would also be made as selection for the national teams who will be seeing action in Asian Federation Confederation (AFC) tournaments abroad. A “Festival of Football” will also be conducted for the U14 girls and U13 boys.

Most exciting that was approved by the board yesterday is the “club championship,” which is open to all club members under all FAs.

A provincial eliminations will be conducted with the winners representing the province in the regional eliminations and on to the national finals.

Also yesterday, committee heads were appointed by Araneta.

Cebu FA president Richard Montayre was appointed to head the grassroots and youth development committee. Dick Emperado (Negros Oriental FA) was appointed to head the competition committee formerly known as tournament committee; Arturo Pacificador (Laguna FA) for finance; Mike Batiles for referees; Carpio for membership; Caritativo for media/press; Charlie Cojuangco (Negros Occidental FA) for technical and Carlo Rodriguez for women's committee.

/CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON

Cebu Daily News