MANILA – Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla will serve as chef de mission (CDM) of Team Philippines to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino announced on Tuesday.
Remulla, the honorary chairperson of the rowing association, replaced Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio, who begged off due to leadership responsibilities and obligations at the SBP, PLDT and Smart.
“We understand Al’s [Panlilio] situation so we decided to appoint a new CDM for the Paris Olympics, somebody who has a great passion for sports, a true sportsman, somebody who has leadership, a workhorse and that’s Governor Jonvic [Remulla],” Tolentino said in a news release.
Remulla, 55, is the team manager of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, who won the men's basketball title in the UAAP last year.
“The POC wanted a dedicated sportsman or personality who could live up to the responsibilities and obligations as CDM to Paris,” said Tolentino, who noted the significance of Paris to the Philippines, which is celebrating its 100th year of participation in the Olympics in the same venue in 1924.
The POC chief said the appointment of a CDM who is not a national sports association president has its precedent, citing the role given to First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo when the Philippines hosted the 2005 Southeast Asian Games.
“He [Remulla] accepted the position without hesitation and he’s really happy and excited about his role as Paris Olympics CDM. We, at the POC, are confident that he can get the job done .. he’s a true sportsman and very dedicated to helping athletes,” Tolentino said.
Tolentino also announced the appointment of wrestling association president Alvin Aguilar as CDM to the World Combat Games and rugby federation head Ada Milby to the 2024 Winter Olympic Youth Games.
Both the Paris Olympics (July 26 to Aug. 11) and the Winter Olympic Youth Games (Jan. 19 to Feb. 1) in Gangwon Province, South Korea are scheduled next year, while the World Combat Games will be held from Oct. 21 to 30 this year in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (PNA)
