THE Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) on Wednesday assured that all issues that marred the days leading up to the SEA Games opening ceremony have been thresh out.
Phisgoc chief operating officer Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara said the problems that hounded the SEA Games hosting over the past few days have been ironed out following a chef de mission meeting on Monday.
“We tackled all the issues and complaints and requests of the chefs de mission. We have solved everything,” said Suzara during a press conference called on Wednesday at the World Trade Center where the sub press center is located.
Suzara also lashed out at the negative reports over issues ranging from accommodation, food, transportation, media accreditation, and venues.
“Sad to say, kapwa natin Pilipino ang naninira sa hosting natin instead of uniting everyone to make this. It doesn’t look good. I think we want to put to rest on this that’s why we had a chef de mission meeting.
"This is very normal. Always before the opening ceremony, there are a lot of adjustments not only here. Even in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Maraming games na we wait two, three hours at the airport,” said Suzara.
Suzara added problems besetting the venues only came from just a few, particularly the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex which underwent renovations only recently.
“There are 56 venues, four venues sa PSC, doon nakatutok. It’s a government venue, it’s the first time na-renovate ang venue but there are 52 other venues na hindi kino-cover," Suzara, who was also part of the organizing committees of several multisports events like the Asian Games and Asian Beach Games, said.
"The Binan venue and the Muntinlupa Sports Complex are beautiful. The World Trade Center is ready to host wushu, karate, and fending. There are a lot of venues at New Clark City and there are 52 other venues. And dapat doon magpuntahan, hindi lang nakatutok sa football although football is an important sport in Asia,” said Suzara.
Suzara called on Filipinos to unite behind the hosting, saying all eyes are on the nation as it hosts the SEA Games for only the fourth time.
He said several ministers from different countries will be coming in to observe the Games particularly those from Vietnam and Cambodia, which will be hosting the next two SEA Games in 2021 and 2023.
“Let’s help each other. I’m appealing to all of you to give a positive note on what we have done … We are here to support our athletes, our government, the organizing committee, PSC, POC, tulungan natin para ganahan sila manalo," he said.
"We are targeting the overall (championship) for this SEA Games. Let’s work together,” Suzara added.
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