The Philippine Football Federation yesterday vowed to give greater attention to women's football in the country even as it agreed to mobilize soccer godfather across the country to help in implementing PFF programs.

In a statement, PFF president Johnny Romualdez said the football body resolved to promote women's football not only through its programs but also getting the representatives of this sector to join the operations side of the PFF.

Romualdez said football is undergoing tremendous development in the Philippines, citing the admission of seven new football associations as regular members and four probationary members to the PFF during the football Congress and Board of Governors meeting in Iloilo City Saturday.

With the approval of the 2006 PFF budget during the BoG meeting, the PFF president said they are looking forward to more activities in the coming months.

"There were issues addressed during the congress and we threshed them out in a candid, honest and frank dialog," he added.

The PFF came under fire from former Philippine Olympic Committee president Cristy Ramos, after it failed to submit its entry in time for the 2006 Asian Under-19 Women's Championships.

"Out of this honest evaluation, we rectified certain things, such as the treatment of suspended personnel of the PFF," Romualdez said.

Rep. Carlos Cojuangco, president of the Negros Occidental Football Association, expressed optimism for Philippine football, saying that it is not only on its way to recovery but for greater glory after the PFF Congress.

"I am happy that in these anxious times, Philippine football through the PFF Congress and the PFF Men's Championships in Iloilo, is showing that we are capable of setting aside differences so we can move forward for the common good," the solon said in a statement.

Romualdez also stressed the need to tap soccer godfathers so that PFF resources are not unduly strained.

"Thus, it is safe for me to say that the PFF board will continue to work for the improvement of soccer in the Philippines by reaching out and working with those who love the sport," he said.

Romualdez also thanked the Iloilo Football Association and Gov. Neil Tupas for hosting the PFF Men's Open Championships won by Negros Occidental and the PFF Congress. *CPT

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