Amid the challenges being faced by the new PFF administration, the Filipino bayanihan spirit prevailed at the 21st Ordinary Congress of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) held on July 27, 2024, at Kawa Resort in Heneral Luna, Surigao del Norte.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez reported to the thirty-six regular and two new member-football associations that attended the congress, his administration’s accomplishments since he took office last Nov 25, 2023, and also presented the federation’s financial situation.
Among the milestones Gutierrez declared were the: 1) awarding of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup hosting in 2025 to the PFF and the 2) AFF Women’s Futsal Championship 2024 also to be hosted by the PFF; 3) the sustained programs of the (Senior) Men’s and Women’s National Teams both now under the management of Director for National Teams Fred Gonzalez; 4) the expansion of the Philippines Football League Season 2024 to 15 teams; 5) the near completion of the PFF Headquarters in Carmona, Cavite; and 6) the nationwide launch series of the Football Starts At Home (FSAH) grassroots program
The 21st PFF Congress accepted Pangasinan Football Association and Olongapo City Zambales Football Association as regular members, thus increasing the federation’s members to a total of 35 regional football associations (RFAs) and 3 professional club teams.
Pangasinan FA General Secretary Leo Arnaiz thanked the body for approving their application, noting that their FA has been a partner of the PFF for decades. “Today is a day of joy to be part of the PFF officially,” said Arnaiz.
Likewise, Olongapo City Zambales FA President Roberto Dy Jr. expressed his gratitude to the PFF Congress and reiterated their support to the federation, like they have done so for the past 26 years. Dy made special mention of the Central Luzon Regional Football Association whose assistance boosted the activities in their FA. Speaking to their fellow PFF members, Dy said, “You can always count on our help.”
The Congress also unanimously approved through election by affirmation Central Visayas Football Association President Engr. Rodney Orale as the PFF Executive Committee’s Third Vice President representing Visayas. “I am grateful and honored for the trust,” Orale told the Congress. He also said that he would use his position to “help expand and develop football in the (Visayas) region.” Orale’s CVFA is one of PFF’s top performing football associations, and among its most recent accomplishments was the hosting of the PFF U19 Boys National Championship Division 1 competition.
Gutierrez disclosed that the PFF had suffered a budget deficit due to advanced amounts and obligations incurred on behalf of the Futbol Pilipinas Azklas Foundation’s (FPAF) contractual dealings with previous Men’s National Team coaches. As of July 26, 2024, the advances and obligations of FPAF had set back the federation by approximately Php 69 million.
Gutierrez pledged to the PFF Congress that his administration has initiated measures to stabilize the federation’s operations and is seeking remedies to recover the amount.
“Despite these challenges on the fiscal deficit and the ongoing legal liabilities with the former coaches, the PFF administration has worked very hard to ensure that all programs concerning national teams, coaching education, referees education, grassroots, youth development, futsal, competitions, and infrastructure continue at an optimal level while managing the federation’s cash flow… We are doing much better than expected,” Gutierrez assured.
In response, members of Congress spontaneously offered ways to help alleviate the federation’s financial difficulties.
Maguindanao Regional Football Association President Cabili Sinsuat, Jr. volunteered to give up their monthly FA subsidy and made a motion for the other FAs to follow suit. “Lahat tayo tutulong sa PFF,” Cabili commanded his fellow Congress members. Gutierrez later asked Cabili to withdraw his motion since the call was a big imposition on the FAs. Cabili acceded to Gutierrez’s request.
In any case, the FAs realized the urgency of the situation and declared their own initiatives to back up the PFF administration’s programs.
Pangasinan FA General Secretary Leo Arnaiz offered to host activities with the help of the local government. “I will take it up with (Pangasinan FA President) Governor Ramon Guico III,” said Arnaiz.
New Negros Occidental Regional Football Association Jose Miguel Valmayor pledged to organize coaching and referees courses in their area.
Stallions Laguna FC’s Coach Ernie Nierras and Filbert Alquiros promised to sponsor coaches who desire to take the AFC Coaching License A course and AFC Coaching Pro Diploma course. “We will try to sponsor as many coaches as we can,” said Nierras.
Indeed, the general atmosphere of the 21st PFF Congress was of camaraderie and unity.”I felt the spirit of brotherhood,” Cabili underscored.
“The Congress was a notable success and it reflected the PFF’s commitment to inclusivity and effective governance,” said Orale.
At the end of the almost three-hour Congress, PFF Executive Commitee member Lovely Tababa of Laguna FA felt very hopeful. “The way the PFF member organizations pledged help to the PFF after learning of the federation’s status warmed my heart,” said Tababa.
“I thank the PFF Congress for their unwavering support,” said Gutierrez who was elected last November by an overwhelming majority. “I was surprised by the spontaneous offers to help the PFF administration. I only asked the members of Congress to be patient. Their gestures were truly bayanihan in action… I felt that everyone understood that the challenges the federation is facing are only temporary setbacks. By continuing to ‘play as a team,’ I am confident that the federation will hurdle the problems sooner than we think.”
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