KUALA LUMPUR – The Philippines has shelved an P8.1-million presentation for the closing ceremonies of the 29th Southeast Asian Games after the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) thumbed down the plan.
Cynthia Carreon, the delegation’s chief of mission, said the fund will come from the Department of Tourism (DoT).
However, POC president Jose Cojuangco said the plan does not have the blessings of the POC, saying it is costly for a 20-minute presentation.
The presentation was supposed to serve as a kick-off party for the country’s hosting of the biennial meet in 2019.
The budget covers the airfare, food, accommodation and talent fee for 83 performers and production crew who will be flying in from Manila as well as props, costumes, logistics and other preparatory activities.
Also planned was a press conference for around 300 local and foreign media on Tuesday as part of the massive publicity campaign to create awareness about the country’s hosting.
