Erika Dy, one of the key organizers of the country’s successful hosting of the FIBA World Cup, got a new role after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas appointed her as its new executive director.
No less than SBP president Al Panlilio broke the news to Daily Tribune, saying that they formalized Dy’s succession of Reunald “Sonny” Barrios as executive director of the country’s basketball federation in a board meeting last week.
The 41-year-old Dy will be bringing a wealth of experience in running the day-to-day operations of the SBP.
A former player and coach of the Ateneo de Manila University women’s basketball team, Dy was successful in her role as event deputy director of the FIBA World Cup last August.
She displayed her exceptional management skills when the federation hosted the players, coaches and staff from 31 countries during the biggest and most prestigious basketball event in the world.
She was also the chairwoman of the FIBA Legal Commission and former assistant athletic director of the Blue Eagles.
“Erika has been appointed executive director during our last SBP board meeting (18 December),” Panlilio said in a Viber message on Friday.
Dy’s appointment came on the heels of Barrios’ retirement from the federation.
Barrios served as the SBP executive director since 2011, replacing Noli Eala. But prior to his appointment, Barrios has been part of the local basketball community as he served as deputy commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association when it was still under Emilio “Jun” Bernardino since 1993 before becoming the officer-in-charge in 2008.
Barrios officially became league commissioner from 24 January 2008 to 25 August 2010 before he was replaced by Atty. Chito Salud.
Panlilio said the appointment of Dy is among the steps taken by the federation for its big plans ahead.
“We will call a basketball summit in early January to get support from all stakeholders in our journey to the next World Cup in 2027,” Panlilio added.
It’s going to be a busy year for the federation as its men’s team — Gilas Pilipinas — is set to see action in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia from 2 to 7 July.
