DESPITE enjoying home court advantage, Albay governor Joey Salceda has set his focus on hosting the best and safest Palarong Pambansa rather than concerning himself with their medal count in the April 10-16 event.
Improving on the Bicol region's 12 medal finish, including five golds, in last year's Palaro held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte remains one of his top concerns, but he said the gold medals will follow given the preparation that the province has done for the conclave.
"I think that is achievable but for me my concern is to ensure na the venues are prepared, the billeting is liveable, the experience is memorable and the gold will follow," said Salceda during the MOA signing and press conference on Tuesday at ABS-CBN.
Eight of the 18 regions have already arrived in Albay especifically Regions 3, 4B, 8, 9, 10, CAR, Negros Island Regions and ARMM, and the outspoken governor stressed that security and safety measures are already in place with a total of 2,500 policemen plus 828 emergency responders on hand, making sure there will be one security personel for every four athlete/delegate.
"Every billet there's a hospital-like facility. Tinitiyak ko lahat para walang kahit anong klase ng sakit," he said.
"We did our best to ensure the safest Palaro," he added.
ABSCBN Sports + Action will air the games daily from 4 to 6 p.m.
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