THE major players of the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games have drawn the line.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) yesterday signed a memorandum of agreement outlining the respective roles of the three stakeholders.
The signatories were PSC chairman Butch Ramirez, POC president Bambol Tolentino and Phisgoc Chief Executive Officer Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara, whose joint signing were witnessed by high-ranking officials from their respective offices.
The PSC’s main role is to provide funding to the Phisgoc as well as logistical requirements and the importation of equipment and supplies that will be used during the Nov. 30-Dec. 11 sportsfest that will be played in Metro Manila and key provinces and cities in Central and Southern Luzon.
The Phisgoc, meanwhile, is responsible for the actual preparations, organization, management and execution of then hosting and make sure that it conducts all activities in accordance with the rules laid out in the agreement.
The POC’s primary task is to monitor the Phisgoc as per its specific roles in the agreement and take an active role in the running of the events.
Ramirez said the PSC will be very strict in the disbursement of the money amounting to P6-billion as the government, through President Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Bong Go, have kept on reminding the agency that no public funds be used outside its original purpose.
“Wala dapat na masayang na pera because what we are going to spend is public funds,” said Ramirez, echoing the directive from Malacanang.
The 2019 SEAG will feature 530 events in 56 sports with the Philippines aiming for no less than the overall crown.
“What’s the use of being the host and spending that much if we cannot win the championship?” asked Ramirez.
The opening rites will be staged at the Philippine Arena in Bocuae, Bulacan, while the closing ceremonies will be held at the newly-built stadium in the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. (NICK GIONGCO)
