Al Panlilio, current first vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), is championing a sustainable and unified sports program as he seeks re-election alongside incumbent POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino. The POC elections, scheduled for November 29 in Paranaque City, could mark the start of another four-year term for Panlilio and the “POC Working Team,” a coalition aiming to advance Philippine sports on a global scale.

Panlilio emphasized his belief in Tolentino’s leadership, expressing his intent to work closely with him on sustainable initiatives for Filipino athletes. “Our sports are progressing after Hidilyn Diaz’s historic gold in the Tokyo Olympics, and now we have two more gold medals from Carlos Yulo in Paris,” said Panlilio, who is also president of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. He highlighted the need for continued growth, aiming to surpass previous accomplishments with enduring support for athletes.

The “POC Working Team” ticket includes second vice president Richard Gomez, Dr. Jose Raul Canlas (surfing) as treasurer, and Donaldo “Don” Caringal (volleyball) as auditor, alongside members representing wrestling, canoe/kayak/dragon boat, judo, jiu-jitsu, and fencing. Their unified leadership helped the Philippines excel, notably with achievements like the 2019 Southeast Asian Games overall championship, an Asian Games men’s basketball gold in Hangzhou, and EJ Obiena’s rise to World No. 2 in pole vaulting.

Panlilio also emphasized the importance of unity among national sports associations (NSAs), urging collaboration to support athlete training under one cohesive POC. “With a united working team, we can duplicate or even surpass our achievements at the Paris Olympics in the upcoming 2024 Los Angeles Games,” he stated.

The POC’s recent accomplishments have positioned Philippine athletes as regional and global competitors, and Panlilio’s vision of sustainability and harmony aims to propel this progress further under a united POC leadership.