SMC hikes donation

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) jacked up its donation to the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to P50 million in a bid to help the country’s campaign in major international tournaments.

POC president Ricky Vargas said he was surprised when SMC chief operating officer Ramon Ang presented him the check worth P50 million, which is more than double of the P20-million fund he earlier pledged.

“I was pleasantly surprised and momentarily speechless,” said Vargas, also the president of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines.

“We really don’t expect this. The P20 million is already generous, but the additional P30 million really highlights the commitment of San Miguel and Mr. Ang to help Philippine sports.”

Ang said he believes that sports is an important factor in nation-building and that he is willing to stand as godfather to national sports associations (NSA) who have good program and potential athletes.

SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua, who suggested the increase, said they support the leadership of Vargas and POC secretary general Patrick Gregorio because they believe in their program.

With that, Vargas immediately instructed Gregorio to form a committee that would identify which sports would be the recipients of the SMC funding.

“I am beyond grateful,” he said, adding that POC communications director Ed Picson and newly appointed POC general manager Art Aro would be part of the committee.