THE chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) on Wednesday guaranteed that preparations for the country’s hosting of the 30th edition of the SEA Games are right on track.
Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano said construction and refurbishing of facilities that will host various events in the biennial meet are all according to schedule.
“I can tell you that there are things that are challenging, but the infrastructure is actually ahead of time,” said Cayetano after the PHISGOC formalized its partnership with Ajinomoto Co. Inc (AJICO) as a major sponsor for the Games.
Cayetano was referring to the New Clark City Sports Complex in Tarlac which will serve as the main hub of the biennial meet set Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.
“I just like to assure the Filipino people that the challenges are there, but we’re overcoming it and maganda ang takbo ng preparations for the Southeast Asian Games,” added the former senator.
Renovations are also being done on some facilities such as the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the Philsports Arena, and the venue for cycling and skating in Tagaytay.
“Since yung iba namang facilities are mere renovations, we were assured that it’s just the procurement process ang nakakatagal ng kaunti. But the actual na paggawa kaya naman in 2-3 months period,” he added.
Cayetano said PHISGOC is looking to have all of the venues ready at least three months before the SEA Games.
“We want to finish all of these 2-3 months before the opening para makapag-practice na doon (ang mga athletes). Ang deadline natin is not November or October as we want to be able to train at the latest mga late August,” said Cayetano.
Cayetano also lauded the growing list of private corporations which are partnering with PHISGOC.
"The outpouring of support from multinational companies encourages the organizers to work harder everyday,” he said.
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