UAAP, NCAA officials back Juico as Patafa head

Philip Ella Juico, former chair of the Philippine Sports Commission, was endorsed yesterday by the top two collegiate leagues to become the next president of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association.

In a joint meeting among UAAP and NCAA representatives held at Orchid Garden in Manila, the track and field officials endorsed Juico to succeed Go Teng Kok as president of the Patafa which for years has been a major gold medal producer for Team Philippines in the Southeast Asian Games.

Juico, who was present during the meeting along with Go, expressed delight over the development which happened ahead of the July 24 elections.

“I’m happy and delighted because these (UAAP and NCAA) are primary stakeholders of track and field and from them we get our athletes,” Juico told the Inquirer.

He said an official of the Asian Athletics Association will be on hand as international observer during the polls. A representative from the Philippine Olympic Committee has also been invited.

Juico is expected to get the post by acclamation.

Juico said the Patafa under his reign will “rely heavily on private corporate sponsors,” although government support will be welcome.