by Kristel Satumbaga
Chiefs of mission from member countries expressed their confidence on the Philippines’ capability of staging a successful hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games amidst the leadership squabble in the Philippine Olympic Committee.
This was their consensus after organizers gave them detailed reports on the latest developments of the country’s preparations during Thursday’s Chief of Mission meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Pasay City.
“We are aware of what has been happening over the past months, but after the meeting, we are confident that things are on track and the Games will go on,” said Chris Chan, Singapore’s National Olympic Committee Secretary General.
“Yes, we are a little disturbed when we heard about the stories of infighting going on in the NOC but today, I rest assured that everything is going on fine. At the end, it’s all about preparing the game for the athletes,” added Chan.
“We are comfortable now that we have a full view of what the Philippines have been working on and I think all of us officials are happy that we are going back home with good news,” Malaysia’s representative, Sen. Datuk Megat Zulkrnain Tan Sri Omardin also said.
The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) gave a detailed progress report of the country’s hosting preparations, which included the target dates for the completion of various venues, the accommodation details and the technical handbooks for the sports that will be competed in the biennial meet.
