Salud ‘humbled, inspired’ by PSA Executive of the Year award

PBA Commissioner Atty. Angelico T. Salud PBA IMAGE / Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines—The recognition of Atty. Chito Salud as Executive of the Year in the 2013 Philippine Sportswriters Association awards is a “validation” of the PBA’s success in instilling a culture of sportsmanship among its players.

And that’s precisely what Salud, who comes from a family of esteemed sportsmen, wanted to achieve in his term as the commissioner of the PBA.

“Nung pumasok ako sa PBA, ang challenge dyan hindi yung mapataas natin yung gate receipts or yung live attendace, kundi yung mabahagi sa mga players natin yung culture of competence, fairness and intergity,” said Salud in an interview with the reporters late Saturday.

In recent years, the PBA enjoyed a surge in live attendance and television ratings — with the competition becoming noticeably more balanced.

“I hope that this validation, makarating sa kanila na tayo naman ay nagsusumikap tayo na pagandahin ang liga para sa mga fans,” also said Salud.

“I’m overwhelmed and flattered, I’m inspired. I’m humbled,” he said of being recognized for his work by the oldest print media association in the Philippines.

“I’m very proud na basketball ay isa sa major awardees this year. Of course, boxing natin malakas na sport yan,” Salud said, as UAAP champion Ateneo and Smart Gilas Pilipinas were also given recognition.

But the work doesn’t stop here for the PBA, and Salud is looking forward to the innovations the league has planned.

“Tuloy-tuloy innovations na bibigay natin sa PBA. Ang goal lang ay mapaganda yung laro at mapaligaya ang mga nanonood,” Salud said.