Jorge Vargas

Jorge Vargas’ career in sports administration started with the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation, when he joined the Executive Committee in 1918, later serving as President from 1935-55. He later was a founding member of the Asian Games Federation, serving as President of the Executive Committee of that group from 1954-58 and then being named Honorary President. Vargas was co-opted onto the IOC in July 1936 and served until his death in 1980.

Vargas’ main career was in politics and in 1918-19 he was Executive Secretary of the Filipino Independence Mission to the United States. He was Director of the Bureau of Public Lands in the Philippines. During World War II Vargas was Ambassador to Japan, during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. This role led to significant criticism in his home country, and he was ostracized by many after his return home.