IN a significant development that marks a major step forward in the revitalization of Philippine aquatics, a group of 19 dedicated individuals, headed by two-time Olympian and current Congressman Eric Buhain, have been elected as regional representatives of the newly-reorganized Philippine Swimming, Inc.

Under the close supervision of the Electoral Committee, supported by World Aquatics and chaired by Atty. Edwin Gastanes, the Secretary-General of the Philippine Olympic Committee, the 19 regional representatives were elected by swimming clubs and associations from their respective regions. The selection process involved a series of hybrid Zoom assemblies/elections, which concluded on Thursday, May 25.

“With just a few more laps, Philippine swimming will achieve victory, paving the way for a bright future for our talented Filipino swimmers,” said Buhain, who represents the 1st District of Batangas and serves as the president of the Congress of Philippine Aquatics, Inc.

Buhain, unanimously elected as the representative of Region 4A (CALABARZON), is expected to assume a seat on the PSI Board of Trustees. The Electoral Committee has scheduled the PSI National Congress and BoT election for June 8, a week earlier than previously announced, as agreed upon by the 19 representatives. Following that, the elected BoT members will hold an internal election to select the new president of the national swimming body.

In addition to Buhain, the elected regional representatives are as follows: Cecile ‘Bing’ Doromal (Region 4B); Bing Rosales (Region 5); Cris Bancal (Region 6); Jess Arriola (Region 7); Rex Dela Cruz (Region 8); Gib Sing Wong (Region 9); Leo Sanchez (BARMM); Angel Leonardo (Region 10); Jun Rodriguez (Region 11); Michael Talosig (Region 12); Willie Yu (CARAGA); Coach Emmanuel (CAR); Isagani Corpuz (Region 1); Elmer Corpuz (Region 2); Biboy Asturias (Region 3); Michael Vargas and Fred Galang Ancheta (National Capital Region); and Marie Dimanche (Sectoral Representative).

The Electoral Committee reported that over 300 swimming clubs registered to participate in the National Congress. The election will determine 10 members of the Board of Trustees based on geographical sectors, along with one member representing diving, open water swimming, water polo, and synchronized (artistic) swimming, making a total of 11 Board of Trustees positions.

“I am truly delighted with this recent development. More than my election, I am incredibly optimistic about the prospect of establishing the best association for our young athletes in Philippine aquatics. When I look at my fellow representatives, I can confidently say that we all share the goal of unifying all groups within Philippine aquatics and witnessing our Filipino swimmers achieve gold medals in international events once again,” added Buhain.

The other representatives expressed their firm belief in the imminent positive changes.

“We don’t seek authority; we simply want to be heard. It’s not about the organizations we are affiliated with; it’s about our calling, our passion, and our dedication to the sport we all love,” said Galang-Ancheta, the president of the Swim League Philippines (SLP).

Doromal, the mother of multi-medalist SEA Games athlete and World Championship contender Chloe Isleta, expressed her gratitude for securing a seat on the national board and stated, “I am thrilled about the future of Philippine swimming with our upcoming election. I am also excited and looking forward to working together with my fellow representatives to nominate and vote for our new officers.”