August 19, 2008, Quezon City. During a National Executive Committee Meeting on August 15, four days ago, PHILTA appointed veteran coach and age group trainer Jacinto "Butch" Bacani as Head Coach for Grassroots Development.

PHILTA President Julito R. Villanueva formally announced Bacani's appointment during a lunch reception held today at the Hapag Kainan Restaurant along West Avenue in Quezon City.

More popularly known as "Coach Butch" to the hundreds of youngsters he has trained, Bacani brings with him more than 25 years of experience in discovering and nurturing tennis talents both here and from the US.

Before coming home to Manila to "roost" and handle SMART Sports' Age Group Tennis Program, Bacani was a tennis pro in the US for a number of years. Having been responsible for training successful Filipino Davis Cuppers in the 80s, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) awarded him a special medal of recognition.

Bacani's coming on board PHILTA is a strong indication of good things to come to Philippine tennis under the program of "inclusion" started by Villanueva, its new president. Supported by SMART Sports, the new national coach will handle the grassroots talent scouting and development program of PHILTA.

In his new position, Bacani reports directly to Villanueva, PHILTA President. Present to congratulate Bacani were SMART Sports' Patrick C. Gregorio, PHILTA Vice President for Special Projects/Events Gerry Palabyab, Makisig Network's Raymund E. Liboro, besides Bacani's friends and associates. - GPP