NEWLY-appointed Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Noli Eala sat down with top officials of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) last Monday and described it as “a very good start” for his administration.

”I was there to listen,” said Eala of the meeting that was attended by POC chief Abraham Tolentino, first vice president Al Panlilio, second vice president Richard Gomez and treasurer Cynthia Carrion- Norton.

“It was really a social call and it was very courteous. Majority of the POC board were there. We discussed some basic things that have transpired in the past,” Eala told Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.

Eala is fully aware that a harmonious relationship between the PSC and the POC, including the different national sports associations (NSAs), is a key element that would ensure the success of Philippine Sports.

The former commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) said he intends to keep and improve that relationship that has led to resounding victories, highlighted by Hidilyn Diaz’ gold-medal feat in the Tokyo Olympics.

“I think it was a good start. It shows a united front and it shows cooperation,” said Eala of the dinner meeting also graced by POC auditor Chito Loyzaga, board members Dr. Raul Canlas, Pearl Managuelod and Dave Carter, legal counsel Atty. Wharton Chan and deputy secretary-general Bones Floro.

Eala told the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation (SMC), MILO, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Amelie Hotel Manila, Unilever, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) that he wants nothing but success for the Filipino athletes.

Next on his agenda is to meet with the athletes themselves.

“That is part of my priorities. I’m making the request and hopefully hold a general assembly so I can talk to them. We will take care of our athletes,” said Eala.

The new PSC chief, who received his appointment papers from Malacanang last Aug. 30, has work cut out for him beginning with next year’s SEA Games in Cambodia and Asian Games in Hangzhou, and then the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

“The blueprint to success is very simple,” Eala said, referring to coaching, sports psychology, proper nutrition, international exposure and the needed infrastructure or training venues.

Eala said the private sector will also play a key role in the sports program along with the continued support from the national government and government- owned-and-controlled corporations like PAGCOR.

“By harnessing the support of the private sector, we can create more Hidilyn Diazes and Caloy Yulos. This is the vision behind the new Gintong Alay that we want to build,” he said.

With around 50 regular NSAs and 20 associate NSAs, the PSC does not have enough in its annual war chest, further bolstering the need for support from the private sector.

“But everything starts with a vision. Everything starts with a plan. We are all allies. We are all partners in bringing forward the agenda of Philippine sports,” Eala added.