Calamba, Laguna — The Laguna Regional Football Association (LRFA) held its General Assembly and elections at Stone Cave, Bucal Bypass, Calamba, with Aquilino “Ake” P. Pastoral III being elected as its new president.
The event was attended by outgoing LRFA president and former Senator Joey Lina, alongside Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president John Antonio Gutierrez, Technical Director Joseph Ferre, and Legal Department Head Atty. Homer Alinsug.
The election was organized by LRFA General Secretary Lovely Tababa.
During the assembly, Schwarz Football Club, through its General Secretary John Martin Carandang, proposed conferring the title of President Emeritus of LRFA upon Senator Joey Lina in recognition of his dedication and leadership during his term, The motion was duly seconded and approved by the body.
In his address, Senator Lina highlighted the importance of leadership renewal while reaffirming his commitment to supporting LRFA’s growth. He encouraged the incoming administration to uphold transparency, particularly in financial matters, and called on clubs to actively collaborate in strengthening Laguna’s football ecosystem.
PFF President John Antonio Gutierrez praised the outgoing LRFA leadership for its contributions and reiterated the PFF’s goal of ensuring smooth electoral transitions across all 35 member associations.
New Leadership and Vision
The newly elected LRFA president, Pastoral III, a longtime member of Schwarz FC (est. 2002), expressed gratitude to Senator Lina’s leadership, stating that his contributions inspired him to take on the responsibility of leading LRFA. President Pastoral emphasized that he looks forward to working closely with President Emeritus Lina to further elevate Laguna as a football hub.
President Pastoral outlined three key priorities for his administration:
1. Education for Coaching, Referee and Match Officials– Implementing a “No License, No Coaching” policy within three years, ensuring that all coaches and match officials undergo proper training and certification. The LRFA will expand education opportunities, providing grassroots and advanced courses to improve the technical quality of football in Laguna.
2. Regular RFA Competitions – Establishing monthly tournaments to be funded by sponsors and the LRFA itself. Clubs will be encouraged to host frequent competitions, providing a structured calendar and pathway for players, referees, and coaches to hone their skills in a safe and competitive environment.
3. Digital Transformation of LRFA – With the support of PhilIT and its CEO, Omar Palaming, who was also present during the election, LRFA will undergo a full digital transformation. This initiative aims to streamline database management, competition organization, and communication among clubs, members, and the association. A centralized digital platform will allow for real-time monitoring of registered players, referees, and club activities, ensuring LRFA has accurate data on its members and operations.
A New Era for Laguna Football
President Pastoral emphasized that healthy rivalries among teams will push clubs to strive for excellence, fostering a competitive but united football community. His vision for LRFA is inclusive, education-focused, and data-driven, ensuring that Laguna remains a leader in football development in Luzon.
With a renewed focus on coaching education, regular competitions, and digital innovation, the Laguna Regional Football Association is set to enter a new era of progress, while continuing to honor the contributions of President Emeritus Joey Lina and working closely with the Philippine Football Federation.
