Love the GAME. Province gives way

Cebu Province wants Cebu City to take lead in hosting of 2017 Philippine National Games

THE CEBU Province Sports Commission wants the more experienced Cebu City Sports Commission to take the lead in the hosting of the Philippine National Games in April 2017.

CPSC executive director Ramil P Abing, who is also the assistant provincial administrator, Sun.Star Cebu that they needed more time to organize the manpower and solve the hosting problems if ever they will accept the challenge.

“Actually, while we are willing to host the event, what we are concerned is the lack of facilities of the province. While it is true we can tap Naga City as the hub, our concern is the billeting of the athletes and the officials. And also the venues; are they willing to have games to be held Balamban, Tuburan or Bogo City? That’s only part of our concerns. So I want to propose to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to give the hosting to Cebu City and make us only the co-host,” Abing said.

Provincial administrator Atty. Mark Tolentino, who is also a commissioner of the CPSC, told Abing that they can take the lead in hosting in 2018 so they can have enough time do infrastructure and facilities upgrade to a place they are eyeing to become hub of the province’s grassroots sports development program.

“In fact Cebu City has better experience in hosting. And the people there are willing to host it. Chairman Edward Hayco himself is very eager for that. I guess they are the right organization for now to host the event, because everything is in Cebu City. The Cebu City Sports Center is undeniably the most accessible venue for the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the swimming and athletics events. The Cebu Province will be glad to be the supporting cast of this project,” said Abing.

The PSC has delegated commissioner Ramon Fernandez to start with the exploratory talks as the commission is bent on bringing the tournament for elite athletes back in Cebu City for the first time since 1997.