The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is in favor of class suspension in all levels in Metro Manila in the entire duration of the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG).
Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, DILG spokesman, said the suspension of classes will be of big help in the transportation of athletes from their hotels to venues of sports that will be held in Metro Manila.
“We support the calls for class suspension. That would be a big help in alleviating the traffic problem in Metro Manila because there are a lot of venues here where sport events will be held,” said Malaya in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Queson City.
“This will help in the movement of athletes from one place to another,” he added.
At least 19 events are scheduled to be held in Metro Manila. Almost 16,000 policemen were deployed to secure the athletes from their hotels to sports venues.
Malaya said that foreign athletes feel safe and satisfied with the security arrangements.
For instance, he said that vehicles that transport athletes are escorted by the police.
“We did not receive any complaints from the foreign delegates about lack of security on their part. They feel secure,” said Malaya.
In terms of security, Malaya said the government is ready to ensure that all the athletes and their countrymen who would cheer for them are safe.
But he called on barangay officials to continue doing their share to ensure zero negative incidents to both local and foreign delegates and their supporters for the SEA Games.
The SEA Games opening will be on November 30 and will last until December 11. (Aaron Recuenco)
