During Hechanova's term as chairman, the Philippines has achieved the first-runner up finish in the 1991 Southeast Asian Games hosted by Manila, after they lost the overall title to Indonesia, by 1 gold, 92-91. It was known as the "Miracle of '91". Among his achievements during the term are the hosting of the 30th Chess Olympiad in Manila, called as the biggest major chess tournament in the world. Russia won the men's championship title. He is also responsible for the revival of the Private Schools Athletic Association meet in 1990, and the formation of the National Institute of Sports and the Philippine Center for Sports Medicine.