A healthy balance of providing grassroots development a major push and ensuring the sustained support of elite athletes will form the backbone of the new Philippine Sports Commission leadership.

Newly-appointed PSC chairperson Jose Emmanuel "Noli" Eala yesterday called on the sports community to join hands to guarantee the continued success of Filipino athletes.

Eala stressed this out during his first flag raising ceremony on Monday, just days after receiving the formal directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to assume office.

"All told, the goal is to get everybody into sports while ensuring that our elite athletes are provided with all they need to be successful. And for this I will need the support of all of you," Eala said in the presence of former chairperson William 'Butch' Ramirez, newly-appointed commissioner Olivia "Bong" Coo, and executive director Guillermo Iroy.

"Like a dragonboat team, we have to paddle together, in cadence to the beat of the drum and with a single purpose and direction. Like the old saying goes:  I will not demand your respect. I will earn it with my passion, energy, integrity and commitment to work," Eala said during yesterday's weekly affair that also served as a formal turnover.

"What I will demand though is that you give me your trust as the President did, and follow my lead. There will be many challenges along the way. And I do not promise that I have the answers to every question that we may be confronted with. But what I promise you is that I will do all in my power to find the answers and solutions to make the PSC strong, proactive and vibrant."

Eala was appointed by Malacañang last month after Ramirez's term ended 30 June.

During his watch, Ramirez's PSC saw the meteoric rise of weigtlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who captured the country's first Olympic gold in Tokyo.

Other highlights of Ramirez's second stint as chairperson was the discovery of gymnast Carlos Yulo, who has been reaping medals since the past few years.

Of course, not to be outdone was the emergence of EJ Obiena, who has made tremendous strides in the powerhouse field of pole vault.