Grateful Bachmann kisses PSC goodbye

Richard “Dickie” Bachmann expressed his gratitude as he formally stepped down as chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on Monday.

In a heartfelt statement, the 57-year-old Bachmann formally bade the PSC goodbye, saying that he is truly grateful for being part of some of the historic moments in Philippine sports during his 30-month in office.

A former basketball executive, Bachmann was appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as PSC chief on 28 December 2022.

His stint was very memorable as it was highlighted by some of the biggest moments in Philippine sports, including Gilas Pilipinas’ gold medal in the men’s basketball event of the 19th Asian Games, Carlos Yulo’s double-gold performance in the Paris Olympics and the triumph of the national curling team that gave the country its first ever gold medal in the 9th Asian Winter Games.

But his ferm didn’t last long.

As part of his so-called “bold reset” entering the second half of his administration, the President Marcos accepted Bachmann’s resignation on Friday before appointing seasoned sports executive — Patrick “Pato” Gregorio — as his successor.

Gregorio’s appointment paper was already transmitted to the PSC main office in Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Monday and a turnover ceremony is set on Tuesday morning,

Still, Bachmann will step down with his head held high.

“In line with the President’s directive to all cabinet members and heads of agencies, I submitted my courtesy resignation a month ago. This decision was made in good faith, with full respect for the President’s authority and prerogative,” Bachmann said.

“The most fulfilling part of public service is witnessing the potential of Filipinos to reach historic achievements. I am deeply grateful to have been part of remarkable milestones in Philippine sports. Our collective efforts have brought joy, inspiration, and strength to the Filipino people.”

Bachmann added that he will leave the PSC with a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that he had done well in building a strong foundation to optimize the country’s sports landscape — from the grassroots all the way to the elite level.

PSC programs like the Batang Pinoy, Laro’t Saya, and Philippine National Games made an impact on young athletes as well as the Philippine National Para Games on persons with disabilities, Women’s in Sports program on female athletes, and Indigenous Peoples Games on members of the indigenous community, proving that the agency had been inclusive to all athletes from all over the country.

“I am excited to see the Philippines continue to achieve even greater milestones in the future,” he said, adding that Gregorio has what it takes to sustain the momentum that the agency had during the previous term.

“I wish my successor, Mr. John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, all the best in continuing the mission we all deeply believe in,” he said.

“Maraming salamat! Bida ang bayaning manlalaro!”