PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan has expressed elation on the performance of Philippine athletes in the just-concluded Paris Olympics.
Answering a question from this writer, Pangilinan said that the performance of our athletes has given the Philippines an elevated ranking in the global sporting arena. He made the remarks during PLDT’s business disclosure report covering the first half of this year.
“We are very happy with the performance of our athletes in the Olympics. I think we have moved up to no. 35 or 37 out of the 182 participating countries. So it’s more than 50 percent in terms of ranking globally,” Pangilinan said.
A major patron not just in professional basketball, Pangilinan said that sports development and medal yields in the global arena are a “long-term process”.
“(This) reflects the long-term commitment of the group to our athletes. As an example of support, gymnastics in the first decade of the century. We just have to be patient,” he said.
He also hinted on the extension of support to other sports where the Philippines can excel, given the potentials and actual performance of our athletes.
“We have seen improvements in most of the key areas in sports. We just have to maintain that high level of support. I think as each year or each Olympic events passes, we are getting better. We are able to identify which sports needs support,” he added.
In Paris, the Philippines has bettered its Olympics faring as it bagged two golds and two bronzes, with gymnast Carlo Yulo capturing the top plums in floor exercises and vault. Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas brought home bronze medals apiece.
“Clearly, gymnastics is one. Boxing is still a major support. Basketball, its because it’s a sport we would love to support. That we don’t have to hide,” Pangilinan furthered.
In today’s disclosure, PLDT Inc. announced that its Gross Service Revenues grew by 4% or ₱4.2 billion to ₱103.4 billion, while Consolidated Service Revenues (net of interconnect costs) grew by 3% or ₱2.4 billion to ₱96.9 billion in the first half of 2024. Data and broadband, which grew by 4% or ₱3.0 billion to ₱80.5 billion, contributed 83% to Consolidated Service Revenues.
Excluding the drag from legacy revenues, Consolidated Service Revenues were higher by 7%.
