A month before he assumed office as president of the Philippine Football Federation (PFL), Mariano “Nonong” Araneta hopes to sustain the development of the sports with its fresh mandate.

The native of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo got support from the 25 provincial football associations in the upcoming PFF Congress on Nov. 28. He shared the performances he did over the years might get the trust of the groups.

Araneta, who is on his second term after he was first elected in 2011 also said there are things lacking in the Philippine football. The term of Araneta improves the ranking of the country’s football.

The men’s national team reached its highest ranking of 111 and qualified for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time. The women’s side also made the AFC Asian Cup, while the PFF was lauded by the AFC for its grassroots programs in the past three years.

Other significant contributions of Araneta included the three-year Qatar Airways sponsorship to PFL and the completion of the national football training center in Carmona, Cavite.

It will be a Negros-Iloilo tandem as Ricky Yanson, the Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) president, declared to be his running mate.

“I was thinking of not running anymore as I have served football for a long time,” said Araneta, who is also part of the Fifa Executive Council.

Araneta said he was forced to run again to protect football from infighting. He also said that Ceres as a standard-bearer for football in the country as well as the support of Leo Rey Yanson when Azkals matches are held in Bacolod City is important.

To recall, Ceres Negros hosted the joint Fifa World Cup and AFC Asian Cup Qualifying match between the Philippines and China at Panaad Stadium.

Araneta was appointed during the first POC general assembly in Manila, Aug. 13.

According to Mariano, being selected as Chef de Mission is a great honor to represent the country and our national athletes.

“As the Chef de Mission for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, We look forward to this upcoming campaign as we yearn for our first ever Olympic gold medal,” he added.

Araneta has been president of PFF since 2010. Under his term, the Philippine football becomes active in terms of international appearance.IMT