INQUIRER Sports

THE COUNTRY?S SPORTS buildup starting next year is expected to hit the ground running.

The Philippine Sports Commission has announced plans to hire the best coaches for the national team, starting with a world-renowned Filipino bowling coach.

PSC chair Harry Angping said that in response to a request by the Philippine Bowling Congress, the agency will shell out as much as $4,500 a month for the salary of Lydio ?Jun? Trasporto, who has steered national teams of Canada, China, South Korea and Qatar.

?I told them (PBC) that they only need to shoulder the remaining $500 [for Trasporto?s salary] so they will also have responsibility,? said Angping.

The Canada-based Trasporto made it to the Bowlers Journal International?s list of top 100 coaches in the world for 2007 and its 10 noteworthy international coaches for 2009.

The $5,000 monthly paycheck topped by $2,500 the biggest salary the government has ever offered to any coach.

?We hope to hire this coach if the PSC will allow us,? said PBC secretary general, World Cup champ Olivia ?Bong? Coo.