MANILA, Philippines – Former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Philip Ella “Popoy” Juico died on Saturday, October 31, his family announced. He was 78.
“After courageously battling cancer since 2022, my Papa passed away peacefully in his sleep. While our hearts are filled with sadness, we find comfort in knowing that he is finally free from pain and suffering and is now resting in God’s loving embrace,” his son Joseph Juico, a councilor for the 1st District of Quezon City, said in a social media post on Sunday, November 1.
Vincent Juico also announced on Sunday his father’s passing, thanking the public for the “prayers and understanding.”
The elder Juico served as the country’s sports chief from 1996 to 1998 under Philippine president Fidel V. Ramos, who appointed the longtime public servant as the fourth PSC chair.
He held various leadership roles in local sports, including as president of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) from 2015 to 2022.
Juico also became active in volleyball, helping form the Philippine Super Liga in 2013 and the Shakey’s Super League in 2022.
On the international front, Juico acted as vice president and chair of the School and Youth Commission of the Asian Athletics Association from 2015 to 2019.
But before his foray into sports, Juico served as secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform from 1987 to 1989 under president Corazon Aquino.
In 1987, he was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men for government service. He was also recognized by his alma mater, De La Salle University, which inducted him into its Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 for his contributions to Philippine sports.
The wake and memorial services will be held from November 4 to 5 at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati City. Inurnment will follow on November 6.
Juico is survived by his wife, former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chair Margie Penson-Juico, and children Dinggay, Vincent, Joseph, and Mayen. – Rappler.com